What Condition Does Esomeprazole Treat and Its Price?

Esomeprazole is an FDA-approved medication that decreases the amount of acid your stomach makes. This is in the class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Esomeprazole is available as a 40 mg tablet for oral use. 

What condition does Esomeprazole treat?

Esomeprazole is a prescription medicine mostly recommended by doctors for the treatment of:

• Peptic ulcers associated with NSAIDs
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

This medicine can also be used with antibiotics for the treatment of ulcers that are caused by H. pylori bacteria. Esomeprazole and antibiotics help to heal ulcers and prevent them from recurring. 

How does Esomeprazole work?

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor medication that inhibits the action of proton pumps and lessens its production of stomach acid. A proton pump can be found on cells to make stomach acid.

For the treatment of peptic ulcers, NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation by decreasing the production of prostaglandins. Unfortunately, prostaglandins are also made in the stomach and help protect the stomach lining from acid. NSAIDs can let the acid irritate the stomach so that Esomeprazole can treat a peptic ulcer that occurs due to this irritation.

In gastroesophageal reflux disease, the acid is permitted to flow back into the food pipe where it causes heartburn. This acid can also irritate and cause inflammation on the lining of the food pipe.

For H. pylori bacteria, this medicine creates an environment in the gut in which the antibiotic can work effectively against the bacteria. The decreased acid in the gut lets the ulcer heal. Both actions help prevent the ulcer from recurring.

What is the dosage of Esomeprazole?

This medicine is usually taken once a day, in the morning. Each dose may be taken either with or without food. If Esomeprazole is taken twice a day, take each dose in the morning and the evening. The tablet should be swallowed as a whole with a full glass of water. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you may put them in a glass of water. Stir until the medicine starts to break up then drink it right away.

The recommended dosage and the length of time you will be taking it will depend on your medical condition. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It is important to carefully follow the instructions of your doctor. If you missed a dose, take it as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, don’t mind the missed dose and follow your regular dose schedule. If you often forget your dose, inform your doctor. 

What are the precautions in using Esomeprazole?

• If you have a change in the amount of urine, blood in the urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, skin rash, or unusual weight gain after using this medicine check with your doctor right away. These symptoms could be of a serious kidney problem.
• Taking this medication for long period may make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Let your doctor know if you have worries about vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Esomeprazole may cause diarrhea, and in some cases, it can be severe. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without consulting a doctor. If you have stomach pain, watery stool that does not go away, and fever with this medicine check with your doctor right away.
• This might increase your risk of having fractures and more likely to occur if you are using high doses or 50 years of age and older. Call your doctor if you are unable to walk or sit normally or have severe bone pain.
• Be sure that any doctor who treats you knows that you are taking this medication. This medication may affect certain medical test results.
• Do not take other medications unless they are prescribed by your doctor. This includes prescription or non-prescription medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
• You need to consult your doctor first before taking a dose of this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding woman.
  

Price of Generic Esomeprazole vs. Nexium

The generic Esomeprazole is a medication that only costs $1.63 per unit and $49 for 30 tabs. The brand name Nexium costs $9.90 per unit and $296.92 for 30 tabs. Therefore, Esomeprazole is a lot cheaper than Nexium.