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Esomeprazole is a medicine primarily used to treat acid reflux, where the stomach produces too much stomach acid.
It is also used to treat many conditions that cause acid reflux, including:
Nexium is the branded version of Esomeprazole. It was approved by the EMA in the year 2000. Nexium is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
Nexium and Esomeprazole have the same active ingredient and work in the same way. In general, both are equally effective, and most people can safely switch between the branded version and the generic. However, they may differ in price and their inactive ingredients.
At euroClinix, we prescribe Esomeprazole and its branded version specifically for acid reflux. You can buy Esomeprazole and Nexium 20 & 40 mg tablets from us if a licensed healthcare professional has previously prescribed you this treatment.
Esomeprazole belongs to a class of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Proton pumps are enzymes in your stomach that make acid so you can digest your food.
In those with GORD, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) doesn’t close properly, allowing excess acid to overflow and travel up the oesophagus.
Esomeprazole stops proton pumps from producing too much stomach acid, preventing acid reflux and providing relief from symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.
Esomeprazole provides many benefits to your health:
Esomeprazole has been clinically proven to be highly effective in treating symptoms of GORD like acid reflux.
In one trial, Esomeprazole successfully treated acid reflux in:
Esomeprazole is also generally understood to be more effective than other proton-pump inhibitors like Omeprazole. In another study:
Efficacy of Esomeprazole in clinical trials
Percentage of patients successfully treated with 40 mg Esomeprazole
After 4 weeks
After 8 weeks
This medication may not be suitable for everyone. When you complete a consultation, our UK-registered doctors will be able to determine if Esomeprazole is safe for you.
To get a prescription for Esomeprazole, you must have already been prescribed this treatment by your GP.
Only those with one of the following conditions can get a prescription:
You cannot take Esomeprazole if:
Additionally, there are some instances where the safety of Esomeprazole needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis:
Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. One of our doctors will evaluate whether Esomeprazole is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.
To use Esomeprazole correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug's effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.
*Esomeprazole tablets contain pellets which stop the medicine being broken down by stomach acid. This may be ineffective if the pellet is damaged.
Both Esomeprazole and its branded version, Nexium, are available from euroClinix as 40 mg tablets.
Some healthcare providers may prescribe 20 mg tablets if this is deemed sufficient, but most people are prescribed Esomeprazole 40 mg tablets to treat their condition.
This table lists the recommended dosage schedule for each condition treated by this medicine:
Condition name | Dosage | For how long? |
---|---|---|
GORD(without a damaged food pipe) | 20 mg once daily | 4-8 weeks |
Stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs | 20 mg once daily | 4-8 weeks |
Prevention of NSAID-associated stomach ulcers | 20 mg once daily | Indefinitely(long-term maintenance treatment) |
Stomach ulcers caused by helicobacter pylori infection | 20 mg twice daily | 1 week |
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | 40 mg twice daily | Indefinitely(long-term maintenance treatment) |
NOTE: This is the usual recommended Esomeprazole dosage, but yours may differ. Always follow your doctor’s advice when taking your medication.
Esomeprazole can be taken at any time of the day, either with or without food.
Choose a time that best suits your schedule and stick to it. For most people, this will be first thing in the morning so it can be incorporated into their morning routine.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if the day has already passed, skip the missed dose and take your next tablet at the usual time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
You should feel the effects of Esomeprazole within 2-3 days. However, it can take weeks for the medicine to fully treat your symptoms.
Exactly how long it takes depends on what you are treating and the severity of your condition, the details of which can be seen in the table above.
To most effectively treat your condition, consider making the following lifestyle changes:
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Esomeprazole’s side effects are usually mild and should disappear within 24 hours to a few days. If side effects persist or are unmanageable, consult your doctor for advice.
Long-term use of Esomeprazole can increase the risk of bone fractures. However, this is only associated with high doses and use longer than a year.
One of the most common side effects of Esomeprazole, stomach growths (polyps), is rarely serious. However, if you notice a persistent lump, consult your doctor to get it checked.
Other side effects can be managed in the following ways:
If you experience a skin rash in areas of skin exposed to the sun, consult your doctor for advice. This is a condition known as subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), which very rarely is caused by the use of PPIs.
Some medicines may increase the risk of side effects when taken alongside Esomeprazole or reduce its effectiveness.
Tell your doctor about any medication you are taking, including the following:
This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please visit the Esomeprazole interactions checker on the BNF website.
Category | Safety | Advice |
---|---|---|
Alcohol | Caution | Drink alcohol in moderation when taking Esomeprazole as it can make your stomach produce more acid than usual. |
Pregnancy | Consult your doctor | The safety of Esomeprazole during pregnancy has not been properly established. Consult your doctor before use. |
Breastfeeding | Consult your doctor | It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before use. |
Driving | Caution | Esomeprazole will not impact most people’s ability to drive. However, do not drive if you experience side effects like dizziness or blurred vision. |
Smoking | Avoid | Smoking can increase the production of stomach acid. Consider quitting to most effectively treat your condition. |
Follow these guidelines when storing Esomeprazole:
*Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.
No, Esomeprazole and the branded version Nexium can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Prescriptions are necessary because they:
Nexium Control is an over-the-counter version of Nexium containing 20 mg of Esomeprazole. This version of the medicine is suitable for short-term treatment of reflux symptoms like heartburn and does not require a prescription.
Ordering Esomeprazole online from euroClinix is convenient. Follow these simple steps:
Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.
Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.
euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:
Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.
The price of Esomeprazole at euroClinix includes everything you need:
Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.
If this medicine is not right for you, we have other options. These include Omeprazole, Rabeprazole, Pantoprazole, and Lansoprazole. These are also PPIs and work in a similar way to Esomeprazole.
Medicine name | Active ingredient | Form | Onset of action | Availability | Price from |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Esomeprazole / Nexium | Esomeprazole | Capsules, tablets, solution for injection | 1.5 hours | Prescription only | - |
Omeprazole | Omeprazole | Capsules, tablets, oral liquid, powder for solution | 1-2 hours | OTC and prescription (depending on strengths) | - |
Rabeprazole | Rabeprazole | Tablets | 1 hour | Prescription only | - |
Pantoprazole | Pantoprazole | Tablets and solution for injection | ~2 hours | Prescription only | - |
Lansoprazole | Lansoprazole | Capsules and tablets | 1.5 hours | Prescription only | - |
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Product name | Nexium |
Type of medicine | Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) |
Used for |
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) Peptic ulcers Zollinger-Ellison syndrome |
Active ingredient(s) | Esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate |
Works by | Decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes |
Effective within |
GORD: 2-4 weeks Peptic ulcers: 4-8 weeks |
Available as | Tablets |
Available dosage(s) |
20 mg 40 mg |
Usage instructions | Take 1-2 tablets daily until symptoms are resolved, or your doctor instructs you to stop treatment |
Packaging | Blister packs containing 28 tablets |
Manufacturer | Various |
Branded available? | Yes, Nexium tablets are available as branded |
Storage | Store below 30°C in the original packaging |
Prescription required? | Yes, get it with our FREE online consultation |
Who is suitable for an online consultation? | Adults over 18 with GORD |
*Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications that reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
*Note: Our medical team must review your online consultation before approving this treatment. They will determine if the requested treatment and quantity are safe, appropriate, and effective for you.
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