ESOMEPRAZOLE - NEXIUM ® COMMON USES: Esomeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the esophagus (food pipe between the mouth and stomach). Esomeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. It is also used with other medications to prevent stomach ulcers. Esomeprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. Esomeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day at least one hour before a meal. To help you remember to take esomeprazole, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take esomeprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. If you cannot swallow the capsule, put one tablespoon of cool, soft applesauce in an empty bowl. Open one esomeprazole capsule and carefully sprinkle the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce, and swallow the entire tablespoonful of the applesauce and pellet mixture immediately. Do not chew the pellets in the applesauce. Do not save the pellets and applesauce for later use. Your doctor will tell you how long you will need to take esomeprazole. If you are taking esomeprazole for GERD, you may take it for 4-8 weeks or longer. If you are taking esomeprazole to treat an ulcer, you may take it with other medications for 10 days. Your doctor will tell you how long it will take to feel the full benefit of esomeprazole. Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve during this time. Continue to take esomeprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking esomeprazole without talking to your doctor. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Dietary Instructions: Talk to your doctor about your diet. Some foods and drinks can make your symptoms worse. Your doctor can tell you which foods and drinks you should avoid or eat/drink only in small quantities. Storage Conditions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.