Esomeprazole Injection

What is this medicine?

ESOMEPRAZOLE (es oh ME pray zol) prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, certain bacteria in the stomach, and inflammation of the esophagus. It can also be used to prevent ulcers in patients taking medicines called NSAIDs.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• bone pain

• breathing problems

• fever or sore throat

• joint pain

• rash on cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun

• severe diarrhea

• signs and symptoms of kidney injury like trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• signs and symptoms of low magnesium like muscle cramps; muscle pain; muscle weakness; tremors; seizures; or fast, irregular heartbeat

• stomach polyps

• unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• gas

• headache

• nausea

• stomach pain

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• atazanavir

• clopidogrel

• nelfinavir

• rilpivirine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antifungals like itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole

• certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

• cilostazol

• citalopram

• dasatinib

• digoxin

• diuretics

• erlotinib

• iron supplements

• medicines for anxiety, panic, and sleep like diazepam

• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

• methotrexate

• mycophenolate mofetil

• nilotinib

• rifampin

• St. John's wort

• tacrolimus

• vitamin B12

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. You will not be given this medicine to use at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease

• low levels of magnesium in the blood

• lupus

• an unusual or allergic reaction to esomeprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better, or if it gets worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.