Feedback on Nexium Side Effects and Usage, page 23
Nexium Side Effects
If you’ve used Nexium, please help others by sharing your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.
Subj: Stomach pain
Date: 10/14/2008
I’m on nexium for about 4 days now, I see that one of the common side effects of nexium is stomach pain??? I had stomach pain to start with, why am I prescibed something that makes it worst?? It’s so bad now I have it all day long.
Natasha
AskDocWeb: While abdominal pain is a possible side effect, most people get relief rather than that pain. Unfortunately, there is no way to know which patients will experience that particular side effect before it is prescribed.
Subj: ALP, AST and ALT
Date: 10/14/2008
I have been on Nexium for 8 months and my last liver enzyme panel showed ALP of 142 (a 27 point rise since July), AST of 45 and ALT of 40 – all elevated, what does this mean?
Tricia
AskDocWeb: ALP, AST and ALT are enzymes. When cells become sick or die the enzymes leak out of the cells causing the blood level of these enzymes to rise. Although AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) are sensitive indicators of liver damage it must be emphasized that higher-than-normal levels of these liver enzymes does not automatically mean liver damage. They may or may not mean liver problems. Mild to moderate elevations of the liver enzymes are commonplace. The interpretation of elevated AST and ALT levels depends on the whole clinical picture and that is best interpreted by doctors experienced in evaluating liver disease.
Subj: Panic attacks
Date: 10/21/2008
I have been taking Nexium for 5 years off and on. It does help my acid reflux but have been plagued with joint pain (hips and knees) and when placed on a double dose 80mg daily I would have tightening in the neck, chest a symptom that was very similiar to symptoms I had when I was prescribed Imitrex for a migraines. I am seeing a gastroenterologist and recently had a endoscopy and still had gastritis and duodenitis after 8 weeks of nexium. I also have had panic attacks while taking nexium. I do not have panic attacks when not on this medication.
Donna
Subj: Abdominal pain
Date: 10/23/2008
I think nexium made my upper abdominal pain worst. It is as simple as that when I take it I feel less hard burn but with a steady pain in upper part of stomach. If I stand up all day I am pain free, sleeping flat help to. Other wise nothing is helping.
Jay
Subj: Stomach polyps
Date: 10/26/2008
I have been on Nexium for several years. The last scope that I had, (2 years ago) showed that I had started to develop some stomach polyps. Both of my doctor’s seemed unconcerned about this. Because the nexium caused this, is there a concern this could turn cancerous in the future?
Mike
AskDocWeb: We have seen nothing to indicate that Nexium might cause stomach polyps. These are small tumor-like growths that grow out of mucus membrane surfaces. Most stomach polyps are benign and usually don’t even cause symptoms. They don’t require too much attention; however, some may lead to the development of gastric cancer.
If a stomach polyp enlarges, ulcers may develop on its surface, or rarely, the polyp may block the opening between your stomach and your small intestine. If your stomach polyps start enlarging, you may experience:
- A sense of fullness too soon while you’re eating
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Tenderness when you press your abdomen
- Vomiting
If you experience any of the above be sure to contact your doctor but remember, most stomach polyps are benign most of time don’t cause any problems. That’s is likely why your doctors didn’t seem to be concerned.
Subj: It’s a vicious cycle
Date: 10/26/2008
If you’re taking Nexium, report ALL of your adverse side effects to MedWatch and get to a qualified gastroenterologist!! There are NO long term studies associated with Nexium, the FDA and AstraZeneca are using old studies from Prilosec, even though they aren’t exactly the same drug. Please keep in mind, a proton pump inhibitor shuts off gastric acid pumps in your tummy. This may mean that you are not fully digesting food or perhaps even your medicines. Make sure your doctor watches your liver enzymes. Particularly, ALT/AST/ALP, because if you start showing signs of liver injury, that means, not only are you NOT metabolizing food, drugs, etc., you are not eradicating toxins, which can cause a buildup of this drug and others, including toxins, in your system. It’s a vicious cycle, especially for those of you who are borderline GERD cases.
Patricia
Subj: Vitamin B12 deficiency
Date: 10/27/2008
I have been on Nexium for about 5 years. Acid reflux was never diagnosed, but suspected by my ENT doctor when I continued to have one throat infection after another for one year. The Nexium seemed to help; therefore, I have continued to take it to the present time. In June of this year, I began to have ball of foot pain and fluid collection, metatarsal pain, and swelling (both feet). Exams by my PCP, an orthopedist, a podiatrist, 3 neurologists, one foot/ankle specialist and 2 rheumatologists have come up with nothing specific, only what they think might be happening. I have tried orthotics, treatments, draining of the fluid (which returned immediately) and different meds, none of which helped. The latest exam and blood work last week by my neurologist says I have a Vitamin B12 deficiency. I have read continued use of Nexium might be a contributing factor to this. Is there any information to document this or is this just another shot in the dark by another doctor? I am having an EMG on 11/03/08, also additional blood tests to try and pinpoint, once again, what might be causing the continued foot pain and fluid. Your suggestions will be welcome. Thanks,
Carolyn
AskDocWeb: The reduced secretion of gastric acid and pepsin produced by Nexium can reduce absorption of protein-bound (dietary) vitamin B-12 however, clinically significant vitamin B-12 deficiency is unlikely unless there is prolonged use (2 years or more) or dietary vitamin intake is low. The only suggestion we would make is, if appropriate, to consider loosing weight. Excess fat on your stomach puts pressure on and changes the angle of your esophagus. This pulls open the valve that’s supposed to prevent stomach-acid leaks.
Subj: Severe migraine headaches
Date: 11/1/2008
I have been on Nexium/prilosec for the last 6+ years and have developed severe migraine headaches in the last 2 years. Are these two related? I have identified one of the triggers as being elevated calcium in my diet – such as calcium entriched foods or milk, yogurt, ice cream, etc. What’s the connection?
Lynn
AskDocWeb: There may or may not be a connection. About 5% of Nexium users experience headaches but there is no mention of migraines. Also you might consider consulting with an allergist. They can check you for a number of likely causes that you may not have considered.
Subj: Numbness and tingling
Date: 11/2/2008
Although an endoscopy showed no damage to my esophagus, my gastroenterologist believes I have acid reflux because of occasional chest pains I had at night (not a cardiological problem) and a problem I have with throat clearing after eating. I have been on Nexium for about 1 and a half years now. At one point my doctor upped my dosage to two 40 mg capsules a day because I started having pains (not as severe) at night. The throat clearing has never cleared up. I have now developed numbness and tingling in my feet. I have undergone several orthopedic tests, including an MRI, and so far the results are negative for a problem in that area. I believe that the numbeness/tingling is caused by the Nexium. My gastroenterologist told me that this type of side effect is very rare and he doesn’t believe it could be caused by Nexium. He has suggested I go to a neurologist. He has also recommended another test for acid reflux where a tube is put through my nose and into (I believe) my stomach. Is numbness/tingling of feet really a rare side effect of Nexium? I would rather deal with an occasional problem with acid reflux another way if Nexium is causing this problem. I am also concerned about all of the other possible side effects, including the possible worsening of arthritis.
Ann
Subj: Changed my diet
Date: 11/2/2008
I have been on Nexium for 6 months. I had a difficult time with it in the beginning. The one big change that I haven’t read about in the feedback is diet. I have radically changed my diet. I have stopped eating a lot of foods. I find that if I take Nexium by opening the pill and sprinkling it on some applesauce, I have no trouble with it. I don’t eat sweets or anything with lots of sugar. No alcohol or eating in the evening. I lost a lot of weight in the beginning. But that has tapered off now that my system has settled down. Before the Nexium I was very bloated and gassy. It’s a relief to be rid of it. I have had a second scope and my Dr. found a polyp in my stomach. He says it’s from the medication. I’m concerned about taking Nexium long term.
Deborah
Subj: 47 year old
Date: 11/7/2008
47 year old. I was diagnosed with GERD and Hietial hernia after being scoped and have been on nexium for about a year since. I first had symptoms of constant coughing when I laid down at night. Subside by 90% when I was upright. This went away after taking nexium for about a month but I always worry about long term affects of taking any drug. Doctors have no clue on long-term affect since studies only went out 6 months. I have gained about 25 lbs, have sleeping problems and still have stomach digestive problems but I believe a lot of it has to do with your diet that is very hard to change. I have removed myself off nexium for the last two months with no big cough yet but stomach bloating is bad.
Mike
Subj: Tums
Date: 11/7/2008
I am using Nexium only when I have a bad episode. Can Tums be taken after taking nexium?
Rose
AskDocWeb: Yes, antacids like Tums may be used while taking Nexium and they do not interfere with the effectiveness of Nexium.
Subj: Nexium side effects
Date: 11/8/2008
I’ve taken 40 mg daily of Nexium since Feb. of this year. Through the months I’ve experienced extreme fatigue and weakness, abdominal pain, humming sound in my head, increased resting heart rate of 100 bpm and the last 2 months painful neck and headaches. I was told they were cluster headaches. I stopped taking the Nexium 5 days ago and I’ve felt better a little each day. Today was the first day I was able to play ball with my 4 year old for more than 2 minutes without having to take a rest. Could the Nexium have made me so ill? Will all the PPI’s affect me in the same way?
Brenda
AskDocWeb: That humming sound in your head is called Tinnitus and it is a possible side effect of Nexium as well as the abdominal pain. The increased heart rate, fatigue and weakness are not listed as “official” side effects. Nexium is one of the drugs that cause headaches. Unfortunately PPIs share many of the same side effects. Read more feedback about Nexium.
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