Generic name: Esomeprazole (injection)
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Nexium I.V.?
Esomeprazole injection is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Esomeprazole is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).
Esomeprazole injection is also used to lower the risk of a stomach ulcer bleeding again after an endoscopy treatment.
Esomeprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.
You should not use this medicine if:
- you also take medicine that contains rilpivirine (Edurant, Complera, Juluca, Odefsey);
- you had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking esomeprazole in the past; or
- you are allergic to esomeprazole or similar medicines (lansoprazole, omeprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and others).
Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with esomeprazole. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:
- clopidogrel;
- methotrexate (at high doses);
- rifampin;
- St. John's wort; or
- medicine that contains rilpivirine (such as Complera, Edurant, Juluca, or Odefsey).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- severe liver disease;
- lupus;
- osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia); or
- low levels of magnesium in your blood.
You may be more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I use Nexium I.V.
Use Nexium I.V. (Intravenous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Esomeprazole is usually given by injection only if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
Esomeprazole injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
This medicine is usually given once daily for up to 10 days to treat GERD or erosive esophagitis.
To prevent re-bleeding after endoscopy treatment, esomeprazole injection may be given around-the-clock for 72 hours. You may then be instructed to take a medicine by mouth to reduce stomach acid.
You may need to mix esomeprazole with a liquid (diluent) in an IV bag. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use esomeprazole if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Each single-use vial (bottle) of this medicine is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. You may use antacids if needed while you are using esomeprazole injection.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are taking this medicine.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using esomeprazole.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Store mixed esomeprazole injection at room temperature and use it as soon as possible. The mixture will be good for only 6 to 12 hours depending on the type of liquid diluent used.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
Nexium I.V. side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- seizure (convulsions);
- kidney problems-- fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, weight gain;
- low magnesium--dizziness, irregular heartbeats, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling; or
- new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.
Using esomeprazole long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- diarrhea, constipation;
- nausea, stomach pain, gas;
- dry mouth;
- itching; or
- redness, itching, swelling, bruising, or irritation around the IV needle.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Nexium I.V.?
This medicine can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.