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FAQ

About Nexium® 24HR

  • What is Nexium® 24HR?

    Nexium® 24HR is an OTC medication indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn (two or more days a week) in adults (18 years and older). The active ingredient in Nexium® 24HR is esomeprazole 20mg.

  • Why is it called Nexium® 24HR?

    In clinical trials, Nexium® 24HR has been shown to treat frequent heartburn for up to 24 hours when taken once each morning before eating for 14 consecutive days.

    Nexium® 24HR should be taken only as directed, unless otherwise determined by a healthcare professional.

  • Is there a difference between Nexium® 24HR and prescription NEXIUM®?

    The formulations of the 20mg OTC capsules (Nexium® 24HR) and the prescription 20mg capsules (NEXIUM®) contain the same active ingredient, esomeprazole, although there are differences in indications and directions for use.

    The 20mg NEXIUM® capsule will continue to be available by prescription. Other dosages of NEXIUM® will continue to be available by prescription only.

    Nexium® 24HR is indicated for adults (18 years and older) with frequent heartburn — when you have heartburn two or more days a week — whereas prescription NEXIUM® is indicated for many acid-related conditions.

  • Am I getting the same medicine in the tablet versus the capsule versus the ClearMinis™ capsule?

    Yes, all forms have the same formula, with 20mg of esomeprazole as the active ingredient.

  • Why do some of the Nexium® 24HR capsule bottles have a yellow cap?

    The new yellow cap is an easy-to-open cap that has the Ease of Use recognition from the Arthritis Foundation®. Nexium® 24HR with Easy Open Cap is only available in 28-count.

  • Is taking Nexium® 24HR safe?

    Nexium 24HR has been safely prescribed to millions of people over the last 15 years. For more product information, see our products page.

  • Why was a new warning placed on Nexium® 24HR packaging? (What is different in Nexium® 24HR labeling?)

    The FDA has asked all manufacturers of over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to add the following new warning information to labels: “Stop use and ask a doctor if you develop a rash or joint pain” to ensure adequate information for safe product use. Nexium® 24HR, when used as directed, is a safe and effective OTC frequent heartburn treatment. 

  • Why is there a difference between the labels on your website and some of the labels on the product packaging?

    The FDA has asked all manufactures of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to add the following new warning information to labels: "Stop use and ask a doctor if you develop a rash or joint pain." Our website reflects the current labeling in compliance with this request. As retainers replenish their Nexium® 24HR product inventory, you will see the updated label on our product packaging. When used as directed, Nexium® 24HR is a safe and effective OTC frequent heartburn treatment. 

  • Does Nexium® 24HR contain the active ingredient Ranitidine or NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine)?

    No, Nexium® 24HR does not contain ranitidine or NDMA. The active ingredient in Nexium® 24HR is esomeprazole. Nexium® 24HR is the brand doctors use most for their own frequent heartburn□ and esomeprazole has been safely prescribed to millions of people over the last 15 years. Please refer to the product’s label for the full list of ingredients or click here to view the label online.

    On April 1 ,2020 the FDA requested the removal of all ranitidine products (Zantac®) from the market due to high levels of NDMA found. NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer). The FDA stated “Patients taking prescription ranitidine should speak with their health care professional about other treatment options before stopping the medicine, as there are multiple drugs approved for the same or similar uses as ranitidine that do not carry the same risks from NDMA. To date, the FDA’s testing has not found NDMA in famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid) or omeprazole (Prilosec).” To read the full FDA announcement go to www.fda.gov/safety/recalls or click here

  • What’s the difference between Nexium® 24HR and Zantac®?

    The active ingredient in Nexium® 24HR is esomeprazole. Esomeprazole is in a different class of medication than the active ingredient ranitidine in Zantac®. Please refer to Nexium® 24HR’s product label for the full list of ingredients or click here to view the label online.

    On April 1 ,2020 the FDA requested the removal of all ranitidine products (Zantac®) from the market due to high levels of NDMA found. NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer). To read the full FDA announcement go to www.fda.gov/safety/recalls or click here
     

  • Was Nexium® 24HR recalled?

    No, Nexium® 24HR has not been recalled. Nexium® 24HR is the brand doctors use most for their own frequent heartburn□ and esomeprazole, the active ingredient in Nexium® 24HR, has been safely prescribed to millions of people over the last 15 years.

    On April 1 ,2020 the FDA requested the removal of all ranitidine products (Zantac®) from the market due to high levels of NDMA found. NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer). Nexium® 24HR does not contain ranitidine or NDMA. The active ingredient in Nexium® 24HR is esomeprazole. To read the full FDA announcement go to www.fda.gov/safety/recalls or click here

How does Nexium® 24HR work?

  • How does Nexium® 24HR treat frequent heartburn?

    Cells in the lining of the stomach contain proton pumps that produce the acid your body uses during digestion. Heartburn can be caused when this stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. Nexium® 24HR protects you from frequent heartburn by turning your acid pumps from on to off, reducing the amount of acid that rises into your esophagus and alleviating heartburn.

  • What are proton pump inhibitors?

    Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of medications that stop heartburn at the source by turning off many of the pumps that produce acid. Nexium® 24HR belongs to this group of medications.

  • What’s the difference between PPIs and H2s?

    H2s treat heartburn by blocking one of the signals that tell your body to produce acid. However, if you use H2s for more than a few days in a row, they can become less effective at treating heartburn. PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), like Nexium® 24HR, treat frequent heartburn by blocking the production of acid. PPIs may take 1-4 days for full effect, but relief lasts for 24 hours.

  • What is the difference between PPIs and Antacids?

    Antacids work quickly, by neutralizing the acid in your stomach, but last for only 1-3 hours after use. PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), like Nexium® 24HR, treat frequent heartburn by blocking the production of stomach acid. PPIs may take 1-4 days for full effect, but relief lasts for 24 hours.

  • How quickly does Nexium® 24HR work?

    Nexium® 24HR may take 1-4 days for full effect, which is 24 hours of complete relief^ from frequent heartburn.

  • How does Nexium® 24HR compare to other acid reflux medications?

    Nexium® 24HR works differently from other OTC medications for heartburn such as antacids and histamine blockers. Nexium® 24HR is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which stops acid production at the source-by blocking the pumps that release acid into the stomach. By doing so, they provide longer lasting relief of frequent heartburn when taken as directed. However, since they may take 1 to 4 days to reach full effect, they are not intended for immediate relief of symptoms.

    Antacids relieve heartburn by neutralizing gastric acids. Histamine blockers block one of the signals that tell the stomach to produce acid, and are used to prevent and relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. Histamine blockers provide longer symptomatic relief than antacids, and act faster than proton pump inhibitors.

Taking Nexium® 24HR

  • Who should take Nexium® 24HR?

    People 18 years and older with frequent heartburn (occurring two or more days a week) can take Nexium® 24HR.

  • How do I use Nexium® 24HR?

    Take one Nexium® 24HR capsule with a glass of water before eating each morning for 14 consecutive days.

    Do not take more than one capsule each day. You should not chew the capsule or empty its contents into food or drink.

    Do not use Nexium® 24HR for longer than 14 days unless your healthcare professional directs you to do so. You can repeat a 14-day regimen once every four months.

    Contact your healthcare professional with additional concerns regarding dosage.

  • How many times a day will I have to use Nexium® 24HR?

    You should take Nexium® 24HR once daily, for 14 days. Please use as directed.

  • Can I take Nexium® 24HR for more than 14 days?

    Do not take Nexium® 24HR for longer than 14 days unless your healthcare professional directs you to do so. You can repeat a 14-day regimen once every four months.

    If you have questions, or concerns, or you continue to experience frequent heartburn, contact your primary healthcare professional.

  • What happens if I miss a dose?

    If you miss or forget to take a dose of Nexium® 24HR, take one as soon as you remember. However, if you’ve missed a dose and it’s almost time for the next one, do not take the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

    If you have additional questions about dosage, contact your healthcare professional.

  • Will Nexium® 24HR be safe to take with my other heartburn medications?

    You should ask your physician or pharmacist before using Nexium® 24HR while taking other medications.

  • Can I stop taking my prescription heartburn medication and take Nexium® 24HR?

    You should not change or stop taking any prescriptions without first consulting with your healthcare professional. As always, it is important to discuss your frequent heartburn symptoms, lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise) and any acid-related conditions with your healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional may help determine if Nexium® 24HR is the right option to treat your frequent heartburn.

  • How long should you wait before eating after taking Nexium® 24HR?

    Nexium® 24HR is to be taken as 1 capsule with a glass of water before eating in the morning for 14 days. Nexium® 24HR should be administered before the first meal of the day after a prolonged fast, which for many is in the morning, followed by food ingestion. Nexium® 24HR is most effective when taken 30-60 minutes before a meal, preferably before breakfast. If you have additional questions or concerns, please speak to your healthcare provider.

  • Can Nexium® 24HR be crushed, and will it interfere with any time release formula?

    Nexium® 24HR should not be chewed or crushed, but should be swallowed whole. For our full product label, please visit our product page at https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=2696. If you have additional questions or concerns, please speak to your healthcare provider.

  • Can the Nexium® 24HR capsules be opened and sprinkled in food?

    Nexium® 24HR should be swallowed whole and is to be taken as directed as 1 capsule with a glass of water before eating in the morning for 14 days. For our full product label, please visit our product page at https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=2696. If you have additional questions or concerns, please speak to your healthcare provider.

  • Can I eat grapefruit while taking Nexium® 24HR?

    There is no evidence of an interaction between grapefruit and esomeprazole, the active ingredient in Nexium® 24HR. If you have additional questions or concerns, please speak to your healthcare provider.

  • What are the directions of use for me?

    Nexium® 24HR should be taken as 1 capsule/tablet a day with a full glass of water 30-60 minutes before eating for 14 days. Please use as directed.

  • Can I use Nexium® 24HR if I am pregnant?

    For questions regarding use of Nexium® 24HR during pregnancy, please consult with your healthcare provider.

Buying Nexium® 24HR

□Among PCPs who use a branded OTC PPI