Esomeprazole

What is Esomeprazol

Esomeprazole is a medicine that’s prescribed to treat conditions such as

• Heartburn
• Acid Reflux
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)

It belongs to the proton-pump inhibitor family of medicines, and works by blocking the production of acid from the stomach. With less acid in the stomach, symptoms associated with the above conditions should be relieved, as it’s less likely that acid will make its way up the oesophagus and irritate the tract.

How do I know if I have acid reflux?

Acid reflux is caused by excess stomach acid making its way into the oesophagus. This can cause symptoms such as:

• A burning feeling in the chest
• Burning feeling at the back of the throat
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth caused by stomach acid

There are other symptoms that sometimes accompany these, but the three mentioned above are the main characteristic and diagnostic symptoms of acid reflux. If you experience these several times a week, you may be diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which is a more chronic type of acid reflux.

Can I take Esomeprazole?

Esomeprazole is a medication that can be taken by the majority of people. But there are some that should speak to their GP or local pharmacist before starting the medicine. These include patients who:

• Have an allergy to esomeprazole or any ingredients
• Have an allergy to other proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole)
• Are using nelfinavir (treatment for HIV)
• Have severe liver problems
• Have severe kidney problems
• Have a history of skin reactions when using similar medicationsv
• Lose a lot of weight without a known cause
• Have problems swallowing
• Experience stomach pain or indigestion
• Vomit food or blood
• Pass black stools

If you experience any of these symptoms before starting treatment, please speak to your GP as you may need a different treatment, or have to go for certain tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.

If you experience any of the same symptoms after starting treatment, seek advice from your GP and stop taking the medication until you know whether it’s safe for you to continue with esomeprazole.

There are also some medications that might interact with esomeprazole, and patients already using any of the following should check with their local pharmacist if they’re able to use esomeprazole alongside their normal medication regime. These include

You should also disclose any other medicines that you take that aren’t on prescription. For example, herbal remedies and over-the-counter medicines from pharmacies or supermarkets.

What are the side effects of Esomeprazole?

Like most drugs, esomeprazole can cause side effects that you might not have experienced before taking the medication, but most people find that the benefits of the drug outweigh the side effects. Many people only experience mild symptoms as a result of taking esomeprazole, but some of the most commonly reported ones are:

• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Wind
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Pins and needles sensation
• Fatigue
• Vertigo
• Dry mouth
• Skin rash/hives
• Itching

Esomeprazole may also cause some serious side effects, but these are rare. However, it’s good to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of a severe reaction So you’re prepared and know what to do should it happen to you. Severe reactions include:

• Severe allergic reaction/anaphylaxis
• Blood problems
• Jaundice
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/ toxic epidermal neordysis.
• Severe liver problems

More side effects are listed in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication. You should familiarise yourself with these before taking a tablet. If you do experience any side effects, please report them to your GP and also via the MHRA yellow card app.

If your side effects outweigh the benefits of the medication, please stop taking it and make an appointment with your GP to discuss alternative treatment options.

How do you take esomeprazole?

Unlike other proton pump inhibitor medications, esomeprazole can be taken with or without food, and usually first thing in the morning. In some circumstances, your doctor may prescribe two pills per day, which are usually taken in the morning and then in the evening. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

The dosage prescribed to you will depend on the condition the medicine is treating and the severity of your symptoms. Never adjust your dose without consulting your GP first. Some people need to take esomeprazole every day, whilst others only need to take it when they experience symptoms. Your GP will be able to advise which method is best for you, and this decision will be based on your symptoms related to the condition.

What else can I do to ease my symptoms?

There are other ways of easing your symptoms alongside taking medication. These include identifying potential food triggers (fatty and acidic foods have a tendency to worsen symptoms), using a foam wedge in bed to elevate yourself into a reclining position (this should make it more difficult for the stomach acid to reach the oesophagus), giving up smoking if this applies, and losing weight if you’re over the recommended BMI for your height.