Esomeprazole

Nexium Control (esomeprazole 20mg) can suppress the symptoms of acid reflux for around 12 to 24 hours. Available to buy online from Dr Fox.

Esomeprazole rated 4.89/5 in 9 reviews

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Buy esomeprazole tablets online

How to order esomeprazole 20mg (Nexium) online for UK delivery:

  1. Read medical information about acid reflux treatment
  2. Answer medical questions to check for eligibility
  3. Order reviewed by doctors - medication posted from UK pharmacy (Royal Mail Tracked 24)

Prices

Medication Quantity Cost
Esomeprazole 20mg (generic) 28 tablets £11.50
Esomeprazole 20mg (generic) 56 tablets £19.00
Nexium (esomeprazole) 20mg 7 tablets £7.50
Nexium (esomeprazole) 20mg 14 tablets £11.20

Price match guarantee
Prescription issued online - small prescription fee per order.

Prescription fees

Dr Fox supplies medicine on prescription and charges a small prescription fee based on the order value of each prescription.

Prescriptions are issued by our doctors online and sent electronically to our pharmacy.

Order value Prescription fee
up to £10 £1.00
up to £20 £2.00
up to £40 £3.00
over £40 £4.00

If you have your own private paper prescription please post to our pharmacy (details).

Dr Fox prices are 25%–50% lower than other UK online clinics.

Delivery charges

UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 Signed For (1-2 working days with tracking).

Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.

Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.

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About Nexium (esomeprazole)

  • Nexium/esomeprazole 20mg tablets are prescription-only medicine used to treat acid reflux.
  • Take one esomeprazole 20mg tablet once a day at the same time each day.
  • Read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects, cautions, and interactions with other drugs.

Nexium/esomeprazole tablets are a type of medicine called proton pump inhibitors (PPI). PPIs were discovered in 1979 and have been in patient use for more than 30 years. They are safe and effective treatments for acid reflux/heartburn, Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and are also used for a range of other gastric and duodenal conditions, including dyspepsia/indigestion. Nexium (esomeprazole) is a newer generation PPI developed as a mirror image chemical of the original PPI omeprazole.

Further information: NHS - Esomeprazole.

Pack photo of esomeprazole 20mg tablets

Generic esomeprazole

Nexium is the original brand name for the medication esomeprazole, the active ingredient.

Lower cost generic esomeprazole 20mg is also available. Generic medicines work in the same way and contain the same quantity of the active ingredient but are usually lower cost than brand-name medicines.

How does esomeprazole relieve acid indigestion symptoms?

The 'proton pump' is the process which is used by the cells lining the stomach to produce digestive acid. The pump is usually triggered in response to eating. In acid reflux/heartburn/GORD, the acid leaks from the top of the stomach irritating the lower oesophagus (gullet). In functional dyspepsia there is gut/brain miscommunication and too much acid production.

Esomeprazole and other PPIs block the action of the proton pump and so reduce the level of acidity in the stomach contents. If there is less acid then symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and dyspepsia are reduced.

How to take Nexium/esomeprazole

  • Take one 20mg tablet once a day at the same time. They can be taken at any time.
  • Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water.
  • Do not chew or crush the tablets. The tablets contain coated pellets which stop the medicine from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. It is important not to damage the pellets.
  • If you cannot swallow tablets, the tablets can be stirred into a glass of still (not fizzy) water (no other liquid). They will break up but not dissolve - the cloudy mixture should be drunk within 30 minutes. Stir again before drinking, and rinse the glass with more water and drink again to ensure none is left in the glass. Do not chew any solid pieces of tablet.
  • Use daily for up to 4 weeks. If symptoms have not settled after 2 weeks, consult a GP to discuss further investigation.
  • If symptoms have settled, but come back, continue to use 20mg once a day, as needed.
  • If you continue to need them regularly, more than 4 times a week for over a month, consult a GP.

How soon is Nexium/esomeprazole effective?

It may take a few days to notice an effect from Nexium/esomeprazole. For best results follow the instructions carefully on how to take it - see above and read the patient leaflet supplied in packs. Consult a GP if symptoms have not significantly settled after 2 weeks.

Who might be suitable for Nexium/esomeprazole?

Dr Fox supplies Nexium/esomeprazole to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), with symptoms of acid reflux, acid indigestion, heartburn, and to treat dyspepsia/indigestion in adults over 18.

Nexium/esomeprazole can also be used to:

  • Treat erosive reflux oesophagitis.
  • Prevent relapse in healed oesophagitis
  • Prevent or aid healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers due to taking NSAID (non steroidal anti-inflammatory) therapy.
  • Treat Zollinger Ellison Syndrome (caused by a growth in the pancreas).

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

H. pylori is a bacterium found in some people's stomachs. It is known to be linked with gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. Nexium/esomeprazole can be used in combination with certain antibiotics, to clear H. pylori from the stomach. If there are persistent acid related symptoms a GP may test and treat for H. pylori. The test is usually either a simple stool (poo) or a breath test. For the test to be reliable, you must not have taken a PPI in the past 2 weeks, or antibiotics in the past 4 weeks.

Who should not take Nexium/esomeprazole?

There are checks in the online consultation to confirm if Nexium/esomeprazole is suitable or may affect other medications taken.

If taking phenytoin (for fits) or warfarin type anticoagulants (blood thinners requiring regular blood tests) speak to the GP about extra monitoring before taking Nexium/esomeprazole.

If taking medication to treat HIV/AIDS or cancer chemotherapy, including high dose methotrexate, do not take Nexium/esomeprazole without discussing with your specialist. Nexium/esomeprazole may make your treatment less effective.

Nexium/esomeprazole may not be suitable for people with severe liver or kidney problems - consult with a GP.

During treatment with Nexium/esomeprazole, if new symptoms develop such as unintended weight loss, vomiting, swallowing difficulties, blood in vomit, or dark and tarry stools, or new stomach pains you must seek urgent medical attention.

Inform the doctor or nurse if undergoing investigations or blood tests that you are taking Nexium/esomeprazole. You may be asked to stop taking Nexium/esomeprazole as it may affect the blood test results or hide problems that should be seen on an endoscopy.

Are there any drugs which might interact with Nexium/esomeprazole?

There are a few medicines which interact with Nexium/esomeprazole, making one or other less or more effective. Checks for these are carried out in the online consultation.

Do not take Nexium/esomeprazole if taking:

  • Nelfinavir, rilpivirine, atazanavir, saquinavir and ritonavir, tipranivir, or similar - for HIV

Discuss with your GP/specialist before taking Nexium/esomeprazole if taking:

  • Cilostazol - poor blood supply to legs.
  • Citalopram, escitalopram, imipramine, clomipramine - for depression.
  • Clarithromycin - antibiotic.
  • Clopidogrel - antiplatelet drug.
  • Dasatinib, gefitinib, neratinib, erlotinib - cancer chemotherapy.
  • Diazepam - anxiety, muscle relaxant or epilepsy.
  • Digoxin - heart disease.
  • Ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole and itraconazole - antifungals.
  • Methotrexate - cancer chemotherapy.
  • Phenytoin - fits.
  • Rifampicin - tuberculosis.
  • St John's Wort - herbal remedy for low mood.
  • Tacrolimus - for organ transplant only.
  • Warfarin - blood thinning.

Any special warnings/precautions for use?

The following have been reported with long-term (over a year) regular use of PPIs including Nexium/esomeprazole:

  • Slight increase in the risk of fractures at the hip, wrist, and spine, hence patients are recommended to follow national guidelines for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and to have an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D. Risk is further increased if also taking regular steroid medication.
  • Reduced absorption of vitamin B12 if taking regularly for more than 2-3 years.
  • Low magnesium levels. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, delirium, convulsions and cardiac arrhythmias. More likely if taken with other drugs (e.g. digoxin) which can also lower magnesium levels. Periodic checks of blood magnesium levels may be recommended if taking for longer than 3 months continuously.
  • A rare condition 'subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus' (SCLE). Consult your GP promptly if you develop a skin rash on sunlight exposed areas.
  • A slightly higher risk of gastroenteritis such as Campylobacter and Salmonella.

Is Nexium/esomeprazole safe in pregnancy and/or breastfeeding?

There is no information about safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding so Nexium/esomeprazole should not be used.

Allergy to Nexium/esomeprazole

Very rarely Nexium/esomeprazole and other PPIs can trigger an allergic reaction.

The allergy is often shared with other PPIs so do not take Nexium/esomeprazole if you have experienced a previous allergic reaction to a PPI.

If you have any symptoms or signs suggestive of an acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), you must get medical help immediately (telephone 999 if in the UK).

Symptoms/signs of an acute allergic reaction include:

  • Difficulty breathing, tight chest, wheezing.
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
  • Skin rash – urticaria/hives.
  • Confusion/collapse/unconsciousness.

For more information see NHS - Anaphylaxis.

Possible side effects of Nexium/esomeprazole

All medications can cause side effects but not everyone gets them.

The most common side effects reported with Nexium/esomeprazole (up to 1 in 10 users) include:

  • Headache.
  • Constipation or diarrhoea.
  • Flatulence (wind).
  • Nausea/vomiting.
  • Stomach pains.
  • Small harmless stomach polyps (only seen on endoscopy and disappear on stopping the medication).

Very rare effects:

  • Dizziness, visual disturbances, and muscular weakness - if affected do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
  • Reduction in white blood cells leading to susceptibility to infection. If fever develops with signs of severe infection contact a GP urgently.

For further information on potential side effects see the manufacturer's patient leaflet.

Patient Information Leaflet

Illustration of patient leaflet from medicine packet

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.

Nexium Control Patient Leaflet
Esomeprazole 20mg Patient Leaflet


Esomeprazole FAQs

Does Nexium/esomeprazole contain lactose?

Nexium and esomeprazole capsules do not contain lactose. Some generic esomeprazole tablets do contain lactose. Please send a message to Dr Fox through your account if you wish to receive lactose-free esomeprazole tablets.

Can I take Nexium/esomeprazole together with another PPI for a better result?

No. You should not take more than one PPI at the same time. If your symptoms are not controlled with a standard dose of one PPI then consult your GP as you may need further tests.

Can I open Nexium/esomeprazole capsules and swallow the contents?

Nexium capsules should be swallowed whole and must not be opened. The manufacturers of generic esomeprazole capsules suggest that the capsule contents can be stirred into half a glass of non-fizzy water, stirred and drunk immediately. A further half glass of water should then be used to rinse the glass and then drunk. In no instance should the capsules or capsule contents be chewed or crushed.

See also acid reflux FAQs page.

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Dr Amanda Wood

Authored 11 March 2021 by Dr A. Wood
MB ChB Manchester University 1984. NHS GP in Bristol. GMC no. 2855422

Reviewed by Dr C. Pugh, Dr B. Babor
Last reviewed 14 December 2023
Last updated 18 March 2024
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References

Recent Esomeprazole reviews

Esomeprazole rated 4.89/5 in 9 product reviews

See over 40,000 service reviews of Dr Fox

Esomeprazole

I found that this product relieved my acid reflux very quickly. Symptoms were gone the evening after 1st tablet - taken in the morning.

06 November 2023
D. Hall Verified

Esomeprazole

Does what it should.

08 November 2023
C. Masson Verified

Esomeprazole

Brilliant, allows me to enjoy a curry again!

06 October 2023
Anonymous Verified

Esomeprazole

Superb service very quick to deliver and packaged well

12 April 2023
M. Sutcliffe Verified

Esomeprazole

Great product, just like Nexium, very effective

24 October 2022
Anonymous Verified

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