DISCLAIMER: iGuard is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. iGuard cannot and does not take into consideration every possible interaction or account for individual responses to medicine. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have before making any changes to your treatment. The use of the iGuard site and its content is at your own risk. The iGuard site and the information contained in it is intended for users in the United States and information in other countries may be different.
Global Patient Feedback for Nexium (Esomeprazole) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I was prescribed Nexium 2 years ago for increasingly severe reflux. Quickly started to feel "dull" mentally and started sliding into depression. Consulted a GP/naturopath who suggested a zinc supplement for a while instead of Nexium. 12 months now on zinc, all symptoms disappeared almost overnight and never felt better. Obviously not the right treatment for everyone but I was surprised not to see much mention of mental dullness and depression as a major side effect risk
54 year old male
54 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-04 05:34:12
Question/Comment:
I have Barrett's Esophagus as a result of many years of GERD, which was finally cured by a repair of paraesophageal hernia & Nissen fundoplication. My doctor has prescribed 40mg Nexium twice a day to control the Barrett's
I no longer have any heartburn or reflux. Is it necessary for me to be on such a large dose of Nexium?
86 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-22 15:29:58
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Your physician knows your medical record and history best and is the best person to answer your question. If you are not sure that you are being treated correctly, you can seek a second opinion. The dose of Nexium often depends on the severity and the degree of erosion. The usual dose of Nexium is 20 or 40 mg once daily. Again, the severity of the disease may influence your doctor's decision to prescribe a higher dose. If you are concerned about your dose, please talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Posted: 2009-12-26 00:22:39
Member Answer/Reply:
Recently, I had a surgical consult for Nissen fundoplcation. The surgeon said 99% of his patients reported success and did not require any further medication. Getting a second opinion on the surgern next month as I do not want any invasive surgery unless absolutely needed. Currently on 40Mg Neximu 2x day and it works great as long as I take it within about 30 minutes of eating. Your doctor should know best if you need to continue taking the Nexium after your Nissen procedure.
58 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-24 09:03:52
Question/Comment:
I got a warning that Nexium increases Lipitor levels in the body. If I switch to Protonix (which I was originally on) will it interact as well? Medco health (my pecription drug provider) changed my presription with out my permission(from protonix to nexium).
43 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-18 19:49:51
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Protonix may also interact with Lipitor. Both Nexium and Protonix may increase the amount of Lipitor in your bloodstream and which may increase your chance for side effects from Lipitor. However, this drug combination is often prescribed because for many patients the benefits of the each drug outweigh the low risk of possible problems from the interaction. If you are taking Lipitor and either Protonix or Nexium, you can monitor for serious side effects of Lipitor and follow up with your doctor if they occur - signs of serious problems from Lipitor include any muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; shortness of breath; extreme tiredness or lack of energy; chest pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; flu-like symptoms; or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Posted: 2009-11-19 22:14:10
Question/Comment:
I have had GERD for years as a result of taking anti-inflammatory drugs for years.
I used to take Prilosec (back before it was available OTC) and went off of it during a pregnancy. Then I was breastfeeding so they preferred me to use Zantac. It never worked as well. I got to the point where, in the midst of a meal, food would get lodged in my esophagus (especially meat, rice, and pasta) and come back up. Then I could finish the meal with no problem.
Anyway, after years of that (during which I breastfed several years, had a second child, and breastfed a few more years) I finally reached a point last year where I was breastfeeding only a small amount and the doctor allowed me to go on Nexium. It totally took care of my symptoms. I have been on it for probably close to a year now and I am so happy.
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-09-24 16:18:10
Question/Comment:
I would be interested in knowing if Nexium reduces the effectiveness of my other meds if taken at the same time. I was told by a friend to take Nexium only in the evening,is thie true. I take the below listed meds
ALTACE 2.5MG,VYTORIN,TOPOROL,HYZAAR,LYRICA,ASPRIN(BABY),SYNTHROID1.75
Thank you Robert F.
68 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-20 13:48:28
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Nexium should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a meal. It is best to take it at the same time each day, but what time of day is not as important as taking it at the same time each day. There are no documented interactions between Nexium and your other medications. It is best to take Synthroid in the morning on an empty stomach and Vytorin in the evening.
Posted: 2009-06-26 22:51:49
Member Answer/Reply:
I've been on 40mg Nexium 2x day for about 9 months now. It has worked pretty well even though I was taking it about 1 hr prior to eating. About 6 weeks ago, a Dr asked how I was taking Nexium. When I told him 1 hr prior to eating he said I should take it 20-30 minutes prior to eating to get the maxium benefit. I did that and it works better when taken about 30 minutes prior to eating!
58 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-24 09:08:57
Member Answer/Reply:
I was told by my docotor to take it at least 1/2 hr before your first meal of the day
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-12 23:47:58
Question/Comment:
I was on Prevacid (the best) for one-year and took it religiously and it worked so well when I could not get it anymore I took OTC (Prilosec...may as well have not taken anything). I could chew up 4-6 Tums and get some relief. My year on Prevacid gave me 5+ yrs w/o medication.
That proves to me it is an awesome medication for it to have still worked in my body for that long.
My ins. will not pay much on Prevacid...so, my Dr put me on Nexium (have bad Esophageal Erosion; GERD; Acid Reflux and Hiatal Hernia). The Esoph. Eros. has caused a swallowing condition called 'Dysphagia' With Speech Therapy treatment that is much better now.
I also take Lovastatin for my elevated cholesterol problem and iguard says Nexium may increase levels and possible Lovastatin side effects. Lets hope not because I have only been on the nexium for 1-month & can already tell the difference. I do not get the stomach pain (even though it gives me much gas). Hopefully, the gas thing will get better as my body adjusts to the med.
I have high hopes the Nexium will do as the Prevacid did and allow me several years without any stomach meds.
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-06-04 13:29:48
Member Answer/Reply:
I have gerd and had dysphagia with a terrible speech problem. I was taking OTC prilosec which didn't work like the Prilosec. I am now on Nexium. After extensive searching for an answer to my vocal problem due to what they thought was dysphagia I found out the problem was really heart related. Since I have been on a heart medication for extra pvc's and mitral reguritation my voice is back to normal as well as my breathing.
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-17 14:27:33
Question/Comment:
I take Nexuim 40mg once a day. The cost is $165.00 per RX. Is there anything else I can take that works as well and save me money. I was recently layoff from my job of 17 yrs and have not been able to afford this and I am just in such pain...when will the patient expire so maybe it can be more affordable. Please advise....
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-01 11:35:12
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 61 year old female and I had been taking 40 mg nexium for years. Since my insurance co-pay has gone up have switched to the generic for Protonix which is Pantoprazole. It has worked just as well. Do a web search for Protonix and check with your doctor. Its similar to nexium. It also comes in 20mg.
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 14:23:36
Member Answer/Reply:
I used to take nexium everyday, but now eat up to one cup of yogurt insted. works for me and is a whole lot less expensive
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:32:11
Member Answer/Reply:
go to purplepill.com
they have a savings program.
if you have insurece it $30 off. If not, I think it is $50 off.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:32:35
Member Answer/Reply:
Thank you for that bit of information, I love Nexicum. I had GERD so bad that I couldn't even drink water. So without Insurance this is valuable info. Again thank you.
47 Year old female in MD
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-04-27 16:10:01
Member Answer/Reply:
prilosec over the counter works just as well as long as you take it 1 hr before eating 42 pills can be gotten for 24.99 to 29.99 & occassional coupons appear in Some Sunday newspapers or go to prilosec website
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 16:50:00
Member Answer/Reply:
I was taking Nexium a few months ago. But I deciede to stop because I had stopped having heartburn again(severe). Then it came back. But what I did was watch what I ate. I took an antacid "Complete", it seemd to help for awhile. Then I stopped that. Since I dislike taking pills all the time. I decided to go back to eating my vegetables and drink Green Tea. Now I have no more heartburn. If it does come back I will continue to do the samething. I have found that Green Tea is good for indigestion and gas.
63 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 17:18:30
Member Answer/Reply:
I too was taking Nexium for heartburn, etc. I discovered that Aloe Vera juice (organic or Natural) has worked just as well even better for me. U can buy it from Wal~Mart, Whole Foods, etc (almost any grocery store). Wal~Mart has it for about $4.00-$9.00. It is located in the upset Stomache section as with all the other medications for this issue. The taste isn't so pleasent in the beginning but u will learn to enjoy it and appreciate it once gotten use too. I love my Aloe Vera juice and it has worked wonders for me!!! Just follow the instructions on the bottle.
29 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-04 04:46:09
Member Answer/Reply:
for those taking expensive antacids for acid reflux. go to web md and look up natural cures for acid reflux.
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 19:42:35
Member Answer/Reply:
I too, was on Nexuim. During a hospital stay for a heart condition, my Doctor recommended Pepcid AC. Works just as well at a lower cost to you, and it's over the counter!
54 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 19:43:03
Member Answer/Reply:
I take Nexium as well, and survived many months by asking my doctors for samples. But there is a program called the Purple Plus Savings provided by McKesson the drug producer. Call 1-800-796-3948 and ask for help with payment and the company will send you a savings card. Believe me it does help. Good luck.
67 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 20:16:17
Member Answer/Reply:
Prilosec OTC or the generic equivilant is the only OTC drug similar in acid reduction to Nexium. While the others (Tagamet, Pepcid AC, Zantac) will reduce the acid, they do not do it to the extent Nexium or Prilosec does. If you only take the drug for normal heartburn and not Barrett's or other serious condition, the latter mention will be fine. Otherwise, stick with the Prilosec until you can afford Nexium again.
41 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 23:18:28
Member Answer/Reply:
My MD said it was no problem to take 2 Prilosec OTC to get the same amount of active ingredient as one 40mg Nexium. Walmart sells generic Prilosec OTC in a 6 week supply. 2 a day costs just 90 cents. Compare that to Nexium at $5.50/day.
The patent on Nexium I believe expires in 2012. Prilosec is really the same drug as Nexium albeit for the separation of the two mirror image molecules. An analogy to this is your right and left hand. They are really alike except for the fact that they are mirror images. Prilosec is like both your right and left hand. Nexium is like just your left hand.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-26 14:04:00
Member Answer/Reply:
I was also paying close to $200 a month for Nexium, so I tried PrilosecOTC but it did not work for me. So I shopped around and found a small pharmacy (not a chain) which charges less than $20 for the same prescription - and you know they are still making some profit with that. Imagine the profit those other pharmacies are making!
48 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-28 16:24:36
Member Answer/Reply:
I know what you mean nexium is even higher where I'am at.You may want to check with a Kroger or Walmart in your area to see if they have any drugs that are comaptible with nexium on their four dollar prescriptions.you really need to see if there is some way out there you can get your medicine.It is not good to let your stomache suffer like this as it can create other problems.you definitely need a acid blocker if you are in this kind of pain.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-05 23:20:19
Member Answer/Reply:
Protonex is a good replacement for Nexium.It works well for acid reflux and a few other gastric problems.Prilosec OTC is also a good medicine at a pretty fair cost .
47 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 03:07:23
Member Answer/Reply:
There is a generic alternative for Nexium called omeprazole. I have not taken it yet but it is MUCH cheaper and I will be giving it a try.
50 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 11:24:46
Member Answer/Reply:
I too am on Nexium prescribed by my dr. However, for the past several months, I've been buying over the counter Omeprazole 20mg, and taking 2 per day. I find this be far less expensive than my co-pay of $35/month (that's my RX plan that I'm on). You can get the Walgreen's brand or Prilosec which is the brand name of Omeprazole. Check out the specials that occur regularly through Walgreens and CVS as well as Rite Aid, this also includes rebated offers as well. Hope this helps
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 11:41:17
Member Answer/Reply:
there is website www.purplepill.com that will give you a card to use to get some off on your Rx.
I want to say it is around sixty dollars off. May help you a little.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-08 20:06:49
Member Answer/Reply:
I take that as well but take 80 mlg a day, my mom uses acifex and it is just as good. I hope you find something that works because that is a miserable feeling.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-16 23:24:03
Member Answer/Reply:
I have taken Nexium and that is the only thing that worked for me. I tried the Prilosec OTC and it did not do anything for me.
61 year old female
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-17 15:39:17
Member Answer/Reply:
I diden't have insurance and for yrs my dr gave me samples that the drug company would provide his office they would be little bottles with 5 pills one for every day and usally he would provide me 5 bottles for the entire month. Now though I went to the drug maker Aztec and had paper work filled out showing my annually income and I'm now getting 90 day supply for free ask your dr and see if he has the infor on the ppr program. Or go to nexium website.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-18 00:09:36
Member Answer/Reply:
My Husband passed away in 2001, after that I went thru stress induced trauma. Finally in 2004 I hurt so horribly any time I tngested anything that my Doctor fought with my insurance company but finally I was prescribed Nexium. It was an expense hardship but my esophagus had gone thru so much damage I needed help. with in 8 months I started backing off my dosage and October 1 2005 I took my last Nexium. It is now 2009 and I have yet to have any problems. Yes Nexium is expensive, but I know of few medications that actually cure the problem while easing the symptoms
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-18 05:37:44
Member Answer/Reply:
I too take Nexium and have for years. I can relate to your pain as for the cost of the RX as it is not cheap. I tried to take the OTC (over the counter) Prilosec but I did not find that it worked as well. You can try to take that and see maybe it will work better for you than it did for me. The cost is about $30. a month as opposed to the $175.
Best of luck to you!
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-23 13:23:30
Member Answer/Reply:
I was also on Nexium and lost my insurance now I get pepcid over the counter and works for me. If you have a Target or Walmart they should have something in there $4.00 range. Hope this helps.
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-23 14:42:54
Member Answer/Reply:
hi u can ask your doctor about protonix it has a generic called pantoprazole my husband switched to it because of the cost of nexium and he hasn't had any problems it has worked great for him. Also if u go to wal-mart it is only 4 or 5 dollars to fill versus the 60 we were paying with insurance for nexium
38 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-23 16:39:51
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 52 yr. old man. I have been taking OMEPRAZOLE, which is a generic brand of Nexium, for over three years now. I am satisfied with the results. This prescription costs me $4.00 each month at either Wal-mart or Kroger. Other stores also have $4.00 prescriptions. Ask your pharmacist about their program.
53 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-27 15:38:01
Member Answer/Reply:
i was on nexum for 9 years, had to change to protonix ,becouse of insurence..It works great..then insurence changed again and i was put on a genarac called pantoprazole 40mg..it works great too and much cheaper..then i was told by a health exspert about a product u can bye at GNC , called superbifido probiotic complex..this stuff is fantastic for the stomac ,keeps the acid out .don't even need no other pills with it..and its all natural..
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-27 15:59:19
Member Answer/Reply:
I also take Nexium 40 mg. a day and was laid off from my job over a year ago. I wasn't able to afford the prescription either. If you go to the manufacturer website - AZ & Me - you can get information on how to get the medication free or at low cost depending on your income. You get a three month supply at a time and are allowed three refills which makes that a year's prescription for nothing.
I am enrolled in the program and the process is very easy and customer service is excellent. Give it a try and good luck.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-27 17:18:10
Member Answer/Reply:
Prilosec is probably the closest medication to take that works like Nexium. I am also on Nexium and was laid off over a year ago and couldn't afford it either. However, I did some research and if you go to the manufacturer's website - AZ & Me - you can find out how to enroll in their patient assistance program and get the medication at no or low cost depending on income. You can get a 3 month supply at one time with 3 refills giving you a one year's supply at no or low cost.
I am enrolled in their program and it has been a lifesaver. The process is easy and their customer service is excellent.
I would check it out - it's worth it. Good luck to you.
51 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-27 17:33:54
Member Answer/Reply:
I am sorry for your job lose, it is hard in my area also. But check with your pharmacy, there is a pescription assistance group that can help with the cost of your meds in just such cases. I can't remember the name, I have seen the advertisments for this group I just don't remember their name.But your pharmacy can tell you who to get in touch with. And to answer your question of anything cheaper, no there is not , (not that works anyway). You can also check with your dr tell him your financial situation and see if he has any samples you can get to help out. I have had to do this myself a few times. Good luck with your meds and May God Bless you in both your job and your meds and also your life. Eve
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-28 08:57:59
Member Answer/Reply:
You can go to www.optimeizerx.com and get discounts for nexium
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-30 08:55:56
Member Answer/Reply:
Sorry, 'www.optimeizerx.com' does not exist or is not available.
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-07-21 01:47:48
Member Answer/Reply:
Sometimes direct contact with the manufacturer of the drug can offer huge discounts for what you need or something until you get back on your feet. That might be worth a try instead of spending a lot of money on other products that may or may not work.
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-22 16:03:09
Member Answer/Reply:
I think protonix is the cheapest for doing the same thing. I personal thnk it works better too. Call and check prices at Walmart or K-mart. They usually have the cheapest prices on presribtion drugs.
43 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-11-18 19:55:07
Question/Comment:
I had a hiatel hernia and was taking care of it with just exercise and dietl. It is a opening in the top of your stomach.
II was in an automobile accident in 1999 and my stomach was shoved up into my esophagus. The doctor said he had never seen anyone that had their entire stomach pushed through. After a nine hour surgery they had pulled it down and tied it, like you would if you had this type of surgery. In recovery, something happened and I died. After some work and machines they brought me back me. I was in a coma for about a month. The only good thing is it is easier to heal from stomach surgery if you don't know what is going on. They had given my family the odds were 50/50 if I would wake up. After I went home I started throwing up blood and had to go back in for more surgery. About two weeks after that, I had to go back in again for a third surgery and I also had a schitizi’s ring (an infection around the incision). It lasted for a little while, but now I am back to my stomach pushing up causing me to have reflux laryngaitis continuously. No one will operate, saying that it would only come undone. I am presently taking 2 Nexium and 2 Zantac daily. I still have the waking up throughout the night gagging where acids backed up in my throat. I like so many others are lucky that Nexium is helping some. If I don’t take it, the condition worsens. The $300 a month is hard too. I have had 16 surgeries since the accident. It seems like someone out there would re-do the surgery so I could have a little break in all this madness. I still have a couple more to go and it is hard with all the propping and trying to keep from laying flat.
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-02 13:14:01
Member Answer/Reply:
I can relate to your problem I have to take care of my mother who in 2000 had cancer of the
esophagus and she had to have surgey to.They took almost of all her esophagus out and
pull her stomach up and tie it up to her stomach.She has to nexium and Regland,some kind
of kind pills she has to sleep with her head prop up high also the Nexium does also help her
and me.There a Dr. at ST.Thomas hospital in Nashville,Tn. who did her surgery and she
still cancer free.
01/07/20009
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-07 21:59:29
Member Answer/Reply:
For those that are taking Nexium but see that there is a financial problem go to PurplePill.com and you can get a savings Card and even print it out and can take it to your pharmacy and get a discount on the medicine. I was just put on Nexium because if my presistant heartburn and GERD problems. Hope this helps. Good luck everybody.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-12 17:33:46
Member Answer/Reply:
I had car accident in 1998.head on facial injuries and stomache was shoved into my throat!i have had acid reflux since then! and now I have colitis and chrons diease!life has been very tough these past 12 years for me!If i didn't have nexium i couldn't eat or stand to tolerate food!!!! so its god sent to me!!!It works for alot of people!!!some people it doesn't! i am blessed to say it works for me thank gosh!!!!!bless everyone who can use what they can to comfort themselves!!!!!ms.not gonna live to see 60! 40 now!!!!
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-12 21:52:54
Member Answer/Reply:
I also have a hiatal hernia and have been on Nexium for years. It did not hold my acid reflux for 24 hrs so they added a pill call Zegrid. I take Nexium in the A.M & Zegrid at night. I also just been diagnosed with stage 1 cancer on my vocal chord which was probably caused my the acid reflux backing into my throat. Nexium 40 mgm and Zegrid 40 mgm is what I take.
Female 77 yrs young
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-19 17:17:15
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 53 year old women, started out with a broken foot,had surgery on it, fell the same day they had to put me in a wheel-chair for 4 months. During this time had to take so many pain-pills, when I got out of the wheelchair my stomach looked like I was 9 mos. pregnant, went to my doctor she just kept giving me moriphin for my pain, no cat-scan. No test to see what was causing my stomach to hurt & be so bloated. Well after months of this I went to my daughters doctor, he put me in for a catscan the same day, well it was to late, by that evening I was so sick with pain & throwing up, by the next day I was in emergency at the hospital, They did emergency surgery I died on the table, my colon burst, I was siptic, the doctor had to wash me out. ut on a ventilator for 14 days to try to save me. In hospital 55 days. came out with a colonostomy for 6 mos. And my spleen (capsule) full of blood. And on top of it broken back. No one knows how this happaned to my back. Then i keep telling my doctor who did surgery that I hurt where the surgery was done, wouldnt listen,guess he thought it was all in my head! Well I start throwing up again, rushed back to emergency. I have a absess on the colon & and get this Mersa from when they reatached my colon 6 mos. later. Come home have to take medication for this. $1700,00 for 20 pills. And since all this I just cant get my health back, they put mess in my stomach, I fill it all the time, it fills like a plate laying on my stomach. I feel like I cant breath when I eat. Like its pushing on my diapham,And I am taking Nexum for ulsers now too. No egergy anymore, I hurt all over, they say only 1 person lives through this out of 3000 people. Its been 8 mos. now since the last operation and Im still trying to get better. Anyone out there been through all this?
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-26 10:46:27
Member Answer/Reply:
And I forgot to mention this was diverticilitis, with having a catscan any doctor would of noticed, but all the moripin was just hiding the pain.
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-05-26 11:05:26
Question/Comment:
I was on Prilosec for years until my doctor put me on Nexium about 6 months ago. I also take simvastatin. I didn't have a lot of muscle pain with the simvastatin until recently where the pain in my legs keeps me awake at night. Can I return to Prilosec? Does it do the same thing as Nexium?
66 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-26 16:43:16
Member Answer/Reply:
I am a 55 year old female and have been on Nexium for at least 10 years. About a year ago I was also put on Zegerid. I have GERDS, BARRIETTS, IBD and several other health problems. My doctors say I should stop taking the Zegerid, but my GI doctor Says no that I need both. What should I do?
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-02 12:11:01
Member Answer/Reply:
take controloc 40 mg....... it has no drug drug inter action
dr . yousry taher... egypt
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-01-19 09:02:22
Question/Comment:
54 year old female with the GERD for about 6 years, what was your throat surgery for? I have a history of cancer and was treated with radiation, then chemo 2.5 years later back when I was in my 20s. In 2005, I ended up getting a pretty bad respiratory infection and laryngytis that lasted for the longest time. I finally went to an ENT about three months later. After having a few nasopharyngeal scopes and a video stroboscopy of my vocal chords, it turns out my vocal chord on the left is totally paralyzed. Is that what you meant by your vocal chord being destroyed? The fear of esophageal cancer from GERD is pretty frightening. Like one of the other posts here, I currently have a hepatitis viral load, most likely from transfusions in the mid-80s before testing for HepC was available, but since my liver enzymes are normal, I'm not that concerned about the Nexium's effect on my liver. By the way, how bad was that treatment and congrats on being free from that virus.
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-23 18:47:56
Question/Comment:
I am 49 and was diagnoced with hep c 5-6 years ago went thru treatment then and the hep c is at 0 levels but take nexium for heartburn and was wondering if it might be hurting my liver?
50 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-10 10:10:04
Question/Comment:
I am a 23 year old Male. I have suffered with heartburn, reflux etc for a long time. I have been on Nexiam 20Mg for 1 year, and during this time, the symptoms had all gone. But the course is now over and 3 days have passed. I am back to square one, discomfort, reflux, heartburn etc. Is it safe to continuously take these tablets? I got no side-effects whilst on them, they were truly a lifesaver!
I dont think I can survive much longer without them...
24 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-01 12:42:52
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been on Nexium 40mg for 6-plus years. I have experienced little or no side effects that I know of. Like you, if I stopped taking it even for a day, all the reflux symptoms would immediately reappear, heartburn, acid reflux (especially at night which would choke me and block windpipe), severe chest pain, etc. I did have an endoscopy early on and a medium sized hiatal hernia was found which helps cause the reflux. Surgery would repair the hernia but no guarantee that it wouldn't reappear, so I opted for the long-term Nexium. Have you had an endoscopy to determine what's causing the reflux?
Prior to using Nexium, there was very little I could eat. When reflux-related chest pains occurred, it was crippling. I would have to get water to drink FAST, and it would take 7-8 eight ounce glasses of water, taken one after the other, to flush down the acid. Since Nexium, these episodes do not happen. I would recommend seeing a gastroenterologist to determine what's causing your reflux, it may be curable - as you are only 23 y.o. My reflux set in when I was 55 years old.
63 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-25 14:50:10
Question/Comment:
I was placed on 80 mg of Nexium for over 1 1/2 year. During that time period I suffered numbness in my hands and arms. I went thru a battery of neurological test with no diagnosis. During this time I was also diagnosed with RLS and placed on Mirapex. After I had surgery to correct the GERD's, I stopped taking the nexium and my hand and arm numbness and RLS was cured. I am no longer on any medication and I feel great. I know it was the Nexium as it was the only drug I was taking at that time.
61 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-12 13:45:05
Member Answer/Reply:
Nexium would not directly cause your symptoms. However, numbness and other nerve problems can result from a shortage of vitamin B12 or vitamin D. There is plenty of B12 in the usual American diet but often people lose the ability to absorb it. Proton pump inhibitors like Nexium can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12. However, for the decrease of vitamin B12 caused by Nexium to be enough to cause symptoms implies that you are not absorbing it very well to begin with. You should have your vitamin B12 level checked and if it is less than 500, you should get B12 shots, which are very inexpensive. Some people have nerve problems with B12 levels below 500, even though 200 is considered "normal." It is common to have B12 levels of 1000 or more if you are not a vegetarian, so a B12 of 400 is definitely not "normal" -- even if you don't have symptoms, you are not absorbing it well and that will probably get worse. Getting more B12 in your diet will not fix this problem.
Vitamin D is often in low supply in the diet and vitamin D deficiency can cause nerve symptoms by itself or combined with borderline low B12. Vitamin D deficiency can usually be treated with supplements by mouth unless you have had intestinal surgery which can reduce the absorption of Vitamin D and vitamin B12.
(I am a doctor of internal medicine.)
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-18 00:39:09
Member Answer/Reply:
I'm a female 56yrs old, I have Gerd and have been taking Nexium for over 5yrs now. Nothing is getting better and I was wondering about the surgery you had. I was told by a surgeon that if I had the surgery,which I am definitely a canidate...that in two years I would be back to square 1. Please let me know how long it's been since you have had your surgery and would you do it again? I can't imagine going through the rest of my life suffering like this. I have taken my self off the Nexium and I'm trying to find a remedy besides dugs. I just read from a Dr.Decker Weiss about a study he did and how Orange Peel Extract helps with Gerd. I'm going to try that for now. I'd really like some feed back on the surery if you would...Thankyou, Beverly Boudreau from Arizona.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-10 09:51:38
Member Answer/Reply:
Stupid me, I posted my answer/reply to your question at the very bottom of the screen. I would really appreciate if you could help me out with a little more info on what your throat surgery was for and why did they say your vocal chord was destroyed. Mine is paralyzed. Is that what you mean? Did you have symptoms of a destroyed vocal chord? When I speak, it feels tight or tense or some strange feeling in my neck on the left. I can feel it and it bugs me to no end.
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-23 18:50:52
Member Answer/Reply:
I was on Nexium for 6 years and quit cold turkey with no additional symptons. Drink 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with 6 ounces of water three times per day. I add Splenda to mine to make it more palatable. You can also mix it with grape juice. Any Apple Cider will do but the best is Bragg with the Mother. Good Luck!
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-12-26 21:41:49
Question/Comment:
I have had acid reflux for about 6 years now. Though I am still symptamatic, nexium has by far been the best medication I have used to relieve my symptons. Recently I had throat surgury & discovered the acid reflx alone had totally distroyed one vocal cord and a section of my throat itself. Now I take nexium (40mg) 2x daily & hope that no more damage will occur in the future.
55 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-04 17:05:28
Question/Comment:
I was diagnosed with gastritus so was told to take 2 of my nexiums a day instead of 1. Was ok for 2 days then my blood pressure went up and had heart palpatations when I was in bed at night. They were 40mg. capsules. My bottom number is usually in the 70's or low 80's and it went up to 104. I never in my life had over 100 for my bottom number. It has been a week since I quit taking the nexium and blood pressure has went down. Never had a problem with it when I was only taking 1 a day.
57 year old female
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-03 18:13:03
Member Answer/Reply:
i have just started taking nexium it is giving me very bad headaches
has any one had this problem robin
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-18 00:04:27
Question/Comment:
I HEARD THAT LONG TERM USE OF NEXIUM CAN CAUSE MUSCLE AND JOINT ACHES. I SUFFER WITH SEVERE MUSCLE AND JOINT ACHES AND TAKE NEXIUM FOR ACID REFLUX, CAN THIS BE POSSIBLE?
54 YEAR OLD FEMALE
56 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-08-27 19:25:36
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Nexium is only intended to be used for acid reflux for a short period of time so unfortunately there is not much information available about the safety of long term use. Although Nexium is only FDA-approved for acid reflux treatment for 4-8 weeks, it is approved for long term use in other medical conditions.
Esomeprazole (NEXIUM) belongs to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and scientists are currently studying the risks of long term use of PPIs. iGuard will post new safety alerts as this information becomes available.
Posted: 2008-08-29 15:53:58
Member Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Nexium for several years each morning an hour before breakfast, along with my Synthroid. I have not noticed any bad side effects. This morning I decided not to take the Nexium, and I felt "bilious" (slightly nauseated) which was bad. Has anyone else had trouble when they stopped taking it?
79 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-01 22:40:23
Member Answer/Reply:
After a few days off Nexium, the heartburn was so severe that I started taking it again. I hate that it is so expensive and I have to borrow money from my sister to buy it. Is there another similar drug that is less expensive? When will it be eligible for generics? Also, I wish I knew what to do to prevent the heartburn.
79 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-03-06 08:23:31
Member Answer/Reply:
I am 43 years old and have been taking 20 mg Nexium for four years. I had so much pain in my joints and muscles that I went to my doctor and he ordered lab work/blood test for Lyme disease which came back negative. He also had ordered a bone density scan due to the length of time I had been taking Nexium. The scan shows I have Osteopenia in my lower back, left hip and left femur. I immediately stopped taking the nexium and within five days all of my pain went away. I suggest you try taking 150mg Zantac for a week or two and have your doctor schedule you for a bone density scan. Good luck.
Scott
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-30 20:34:58
Member Answer/Reply:
I am 43 years old and have been taking 20 mg Nexium for four years. I had so much pain in my joints and muscles that I went to my doctor and he ordered lab work/blood test for Lyme disease which came back negative. He also had ordered a bone density scan due to the length of time I had been taking Nexium. The scan shows I have Osteopenia in my lower back, left hip and left femur. I immediately stopped taking the nexium and within five days all of my pain went away. I suggest you try taking 150mg Zantac for a week or two and have your doctor schedule you for a bone density scan. Good luck.
43 Year Old Male
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-09-30 22:04:20
Question/Comment:
Nexium is a Godsend!! I have reflux so bad that i couldn't even drink a glass of water without getting heartburn. The heartburn used to be so bad that it caused me to vomit. Now that i take Nexium every day i don't even worry about what i eat. Nexium has given me freedom! Be sure to take it every day though or simptoms will come back.
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-08-07 08:58:38
Member Answer/Reply:
You and I feel the same way...I used to think I was going to end up in the hospital because like you, I couldn't even have a glass of water. The second day I started Nexium and have not had a heartburn issue as long as I stayed on it. Imwent off it once thinking I was ok now, Boy was I wrong. Nexium has been a literal life saver for me
39 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-10-22 17:53:22
Member Answer/Reply:
I have taken Nexium for 5 years. I would love to stop but when I don't take it, I have reflux in the night.
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-11-21 09:18:11
Question/Comment:
can nexium cause face and lip swelling?
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-05-26 06:47:27
Question/Comment:
CAN CALCIUM EFFECT THE WAY NEXIUM WORKS?
CAN NEXIUM EFFECT THE WAY CALCIUM WORKS?
46 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-04-30 10:12:45
Question/Comment:
that nexium is the only medication that i have used for acid reflux that works w/o problems
53 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
It only reduces the heartburn if I take it daily.
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
I can tell that Nexium is working extremely well for me - if I forget to take it, I start getting reflux symtoms within hours. My reflux was so severe that it caused pain in my chest up to my neck. I had all the tests that would diiagnose a heart problem - all negative. Nexium absolutely is what I need.
63 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
its very good product to use for acid reflux
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
It's an effective yet expensive drug. For myself it is worth the additional cost because of the relief I get from Nexium.
43 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
Question/Comment:
Take as prescribed. Don't try to skip days. Your system will let you know you should have taken
71 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2008-03-10 00:00:00
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