Esomeprazole (Injection)

Introduction:

Esomeprazole (es-oh-MEP-ra-zole)

Treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients who are temporarily unable to take the oral form of this medicine.

Brand Name(s):

Nexium I.V.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), iron supplements, or digoxin (Lanoxin®). Tell your doctor if you also use voriconazole (Vfend®), atazanavir (Reyataz®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• You should switch to the oral (pill) form of this medicine within 10 days unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Chest pain, fast heartbeat, sweating, warmth or redness in your face or upper chest.
• Confusion, depressed mood.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Increase in how much or how often you urinate.
• Shortness of breath, wheezing.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, weakness, or pale skin.
• Vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in your menstrual periods.
• Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, gas, stomach pain or upset.
• Dry mouth, increased or decreased appetite.
• Headache, dizziness, ear pain, ringing in your ears.
• Joint pain.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Redness or itching of your skin where the needle is placed.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Weight increase or decrease.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: