This article describes possible side effects of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. You can explore this overview article to learn more about esomeprazole, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Nexium. Esomeprazole also comes in an injectable form, an oral liquid, and a delayed-release oral tablet, but this article does not describe these forms. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
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More common side effects of esomeprazole
Esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule include:
Mild side effects of esomeprazole
Esomeprazole may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and are easily manageable. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of esomeprazole in detail” section below.
Esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of esomeprazole
Esomeprazole may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with esomeprazole.
Serious side effects of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of esomeprazole in detail” section below.
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Common questions about side effects of esomeprazole
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does esomeprazole cause long-term side effects?
Yes, sometimes, esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule include:
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of esomeprazole may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of esomeprazole in detail” section below.
Can esomeprazole cause weight gain or anxiety?
It’s possible for esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule to cause weight gain. People taking the drug in studies reported both weight gain and weight loss. But both of these weight changes were rare.
Anxiety isn’t an expected side effect of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. It wasn’t reported in studies of the drug.
Talk with your doctor if you’re having anxiety or weight changes. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage these symptoms.
Side effects of esomeprazole in detail
Below, you’ll find details on some of the side effects of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule.
Bone fractures
People taking esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule in studies reported bone fractures. This side effect may be serious.
Taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related bone fractures. (Esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule is a PPI). With osteoporosis, your bones become thin and brittle. This makes them more likely to break. Bone fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine may be more likely to happen to people taking a PPI.
Certain factors can increase the risk of bone fractures with esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. These include taking high doses of esomeprazole or taking it for a year or longer.
Ways to manage
Due to this risk, doctors usually prescribe esomeprazole delayed-release capsule at the lowest dosage for the shortest period of time necessary. If you take this medication long term or in high doses, your doctor may suggest ways to help support your bone health. For example, they may recommend taking a calcium supplement.
New or worsening lupus
People taking esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule have reported new or worsening lupus. This side effect may be serious, but it’s unclear how often it has happened or if esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule was the cause. But it’s important to note that lupus was not seen during studies of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule.
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the joints and skin. (Autoimmune disorders happen when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.) Some people starting a PPI, including esomeprazole, may develop lupus. People who already have lupus may experience worsening symptoms. This can occur from days to years after starting a PPI.
Symptoms may include:
- fever
- fatigue
- joint pain
- rash on your cheeks
Ways to manage
If you experience new or worsening symptoms of lupus, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend stopping esomeprazole delayed-release capsules. In most cases, symptoms improve within a couple of months after stopping the drug.
Severe, watery diarrhea
People taking esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule have reported severe, watery diarrhea due to C.diff. This side effect may be serious, but it’s unclear how often this has happened or if esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule was the cause. But it’s important to note that severe, watery diarrhea was not seen during studies of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule.
Taking a PPI, such as esomeprazole delayed-release capsule, may increase the risk of severe, watery diarrhea. This kind of diarrhea is due to a bacterial infection with C.diff. Other symptoms may include:
- appetite loss
- nausea
- stomach cramps
- stomach pain
- fever
Ways to manage
If you develop symptoms of diarrhea due to C. diff, consult your doctor for advice. If your symptoms seem severe, get medical care right away.
For some people, esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- severe skin rashes that may blister or peel
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
If you experience a mild allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for esomeprazole
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule, tell your doctor about your health and the medications you take. Things to consider include:
Esomeprazole and pregnancy
It is unknown whether you should take esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Esomeprazole and breastfeeding
It is unknown whether esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule is not known to interact with alcohol.
But drinking alcohol can increase the amount of acid your stomach makes. This can make your symptoms worse.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of esomeprazole delayed-release oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do any of my other health conditions increase my risk of side effects?
- Does my risk of side effects increase the longer I take esomeprazole delayed-release capsule?
- How do the side effects of esomeprazole delayed-release capsules compare to other kinds of drugs that could treat my condition?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
