Esomeprazole capsules

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.

You can also buy this medicine without a prescription to treat the symptoms of heartburn. The non-prescription product is not for long-term use, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or health care professional.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Swallow the capsules whole. You may open the capsule and put the contents in 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the medicine and applesauce right away. Do not chew the medicine or applesauce. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year 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?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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

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

• black or bloody stools

• chest pain

• difficulty swallowing

• have had heartburn for over 3 months

• have heartburn with dizziness, lightheadedness or sweating

• liver disease

• lupus

• stomach pain

• unexplained weight loss

• vomiting with blood

• wheezing

• 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?

If you are taking this medicine without a prescription, it can take several days before your heartburn gets better. Tell your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to take this medicine for more than 14 days, talk to your healthcare professional. Heartburn may sometimes be caused by a more serious condition.

If you are taking this medicine with a prescription, visit your healthcare professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while 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.