Esomeprazole comes in capsule and tablet form. This Esomeprazole 40mg is a pink capsule which belongs to a group of medicines called Proton Pump Inhibitors. Esomeprazole is also available in the branded form, under the name Nexium, as well as its generic form. Both the generic and branded version are prescription only items. They are used to treat Gastro-Oesophageal reflux disease or GORD. This is where acid from the stomach escapes into the gullet causing pain, inflammation and heartburn. They work by reducing the amount of acid that your stomach produces.
Esomeprazole 40mg Gastro-Resistant 28 Capsules should be stored in its original package in order to protect from moisture. It should be kept out of sight and reach of children and should not be stored over 30 degrees Celsius.
To read a patient information leaflet click here https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/PIL.28190.latest.pdf
The manufacturer of the product supplied may vary. Please read the patient information leaflet that is provided with the product.
When using Esomeprazole 40mg Capsules, you should follow the instructions given to you by the doctor. The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It should not be chewed or crushed. The usual dose given for Acid Reflux treatment is to take one capsule daily. It can be taken at any time of the day and can be taken with or without food.
If you take more capsules than required you should contact your doctor immediately. If you forget to take a dose, do not double up doses. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose completely. Otherwise, take the dose as soon as you remember and then take the next dose at the correct time.
The active ingredient in these capsules is Esomeprazole. The other ingredients are Sugar Spheres (Sucrose and Maize Starch), Povidone K30, Sodium Laurilsulfate, Poly (Vinyl Alcohol), Titanium Dioxide (E171), Macrogol, Talc (E553B), Heavy Magnesium Carbonate, Polysorbate 80 (E433) and Methacrylic Acid. The capsule shell's ingredients are Gelatine (E441), Titanium Dioxide (E171) and Red Iron Oxide (E172).
You should speak to your doctor before taking Esomeprazole if you have severe liver or kidney problems. Esomeprazole 40mg GR Capsules should not be taken if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine, if you are taking any medicines containing Nelfinavir or if you are allergic to any other PPI's.
Esomeprazole has been known to hide the symptoms of other diseases; so if you have lost a lot of weight for no reason, if you get stomach pain or indigestion, have problems swallowing, begin to pass black stools or vomit blood or food before you start taking Esomeprazole, you should speak to your doctor straight away.
Esomeprazole can affect the way some medicines work and vise versa. Because of this, you should make sure to mention if you are taking other medicines before taking Esomeprazole, including any medicines purchased over the counter. In particular you should mention if you take Atazanavir, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole, Imipramine, Diazepam, Cisapride, St. John's Wort, Digoxin, Itraconazole, Citalopram, Clomipramine, Phenytoin, Rifampicin or any medicines that are used to thin your blood, such as Warfarin or Clopidogrel.
Taking PPI's for a long period of time, especially for a year or more, may slightly increase your risk of fracture in the hip, wrist or spine. If you suffer from osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids, you should tell your doctor straight away.
It isn't known if Esomeprazole passes into breast milk, so you should not take Esomepazole if you are breast-feeding. If you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Esomeprazole.
Although not everyone will get them, as with all medicines, Esomeprazole can cause some side effects. If you experience sudden wheezing, difficulties in swallowing, swelling of your lips, tongue, throat and body, if you get yellow skin or dark urine, rashes, fainting or blisters of the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals you should stop taking Esomeprazole and immediately contact your doctor. Tiredness or if your skin starts peeling or getting blisters or reddens should also be reported immediately.
Other side effects, ranging from common to very rare or unknown, include headache, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, wind, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the feet and ankles, insomnia, dizziness, pins and needles, feeling sleepy, vertigo, dry mouth, changes in liver blood tests, skin rash, hives, itchy skin, blood problems, such as a reduced number of white blood cells or platelets, low levels of sodium in the blood, feeling agitated, confused or depressed, changes in taste, eyesight problems, bronchospasm, inflammation of the inside of the mouth, thrush, liver problems, alopecia, skin rash on exposure to sunlight, joint or muscle pains, increased sweating, generally feeling unwell and lacking energy, aggression, hallucinations, severe liver problems, severe rash, blistering or peeling skin, muscle weakness, severe kidney problems or enlarged breasts in men. If you are on Esomeprazole for more than three months, it is possible that the levels of magnesium in our blood may fall. If this happens, you should speak to your doctor straight away.
If you experience any side effects that aren't listed here, or if any of these side effects become severe, please contact your doctor immediately.