About Acid Reflux Disease

Here’s some background on what happens when you have acid reflux disease:

Your stomach is filled with acid that helps digest the food you eat. Your stomach is built to handle this acid. But your esophagus (the tube that carries food to your stomach) isn’t.

So when acid backs up into your esophagus—an event called "acid reflux"—it can cause the painful, burning sensation known as heartburn.

If you experience persistent heartburn on 2 or more days a week, despite treating the symptoms and changing your diet, it could be acid reflux disease. It's important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and possible treatment options.

The problem with acid reflux disease isn’t just the heartburn pain and discomfort. Over time, frequent, recurrent acid reflux can potentially cause damage to the delicate lining of your esophagus. About 1 in 3 acid reflux sufferers may have this condition, called erosive esophagitis. Only a doctor can tell if you have this damage.

The good news is that NEXIUM can both relieve the pain of heartburn and for many, can heal the possible damage acid reflux disease can cause over time. Most damage heals in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

Ask your doctor if your heartburn could be acid reflux disease, and if NEXIUM is right for you. (Make a list of symptoms for your doctor visit.)

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Next: Symptoms

NEXIUM is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet.

For many people, NEXIUM is also prescribed to heal damage to the esophagus called erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can diagnose this condition. With NEXIUM, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness. In adults 18 and older, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions.

Please read the Important Product Information and discuss it with your doctor or health care professional.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

©2008 AstraZeneca LP. All rights reserved. 271049 12/08
This product information is intended for US consumers only.
NEXIUM and the color purple as applied to the capsule are registered trademarks and Purple Plus and THE PURPLE PILL are trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies.