Esomeprazole tablets 40 mg What is Esomeprazole and what are its indications: • Esomeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called "Proton Pump Inhibitors". They work by reducing the amount of acid produced by your stomach. • This medicine is used for adults for short-term treatment of reflux symptoms (for example, heartburn and acid regurgitation). • Reflux is the backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus ("food pipe") which may become inflamed and painful. It may cause symptoms such as chest pain reaching the throat (heartburn) and a bitter taste in the mouth (acidic regurgitation). • Esomeprazole is not intended to provide immediate relief. • You may need to take the capsules for 2-3 consecutive days before feeling better. You should talk to your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel unwell after 14 days. What you need to know before using Esomeprazole: Do not use Esomeprazole • If you are allergic to Esomeprazole or any other ingredients in this medicine • If you are allergic to medicines containing other Proton Pump Inhibitors (such as Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, or Omeprazole). • If you are taking a medicine containing Nelfinavir (used to treat HIV infection). Precautions and warnings: You should tell your doctor if: • You have had a stomach ulcer or stomach surgery in the past. • You are on continuous treatment for reflux or heartburn for 4 weeks or more. • You have jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or severe liver problems. • You have serious kidney problems. • If you are over 55 years old and have new or recently changed reflux symptoms or need to take over-the-counter treatment for indigestion or heartburn daily. • You have previously had a skin reaction after treatment with a medicine similar to Esomeprazole that reduces stomach acid. • You are scheduled for an endoscopy or a urea breath test. • You are scheduled for a specific blood test (Chromogranin A). Other medicines and Esomeprazole: • Do not take this medicine if you are taking a medicine containing Nelfinavir (used to treat HIV infection). • You should inform your doctor or pharmacist specifically if you are taking Clopidogrel (used to prevent blood clots). • Do not take this medicine with other medicines that limit the amount of acid produced in your stomach such as Proton Pump Inhibitors (like Pantoprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, Omeprazole) or H2 antagonists (like Ranitidine or Famotidine). Tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking, especially if you are taking: • Ketoconazole and Itraconazole (used to treat fungal infections). • Foriconazole (used to treat fungal infections) and Clarithromycin (used to treat infections). Your doctor may adjust your dose of Esomeprazole if you also have severe liver problems and have been treated for a long time. • Erlotinib (used for cancer treatment). • Methotrexate (for cancer and rheumatic disorders). • Digoxin (used for heart problems). • Atazanavir, Saquinavir (used to treat HIV infection). • Citalopram, Imipramine, or Clomipramine (for depression). • Diazepam (used for anxiety, muscle relaxation, or epilepsy). • Phenytoin (used in epilepsy treatment). • Blood-thinning medicines, such as Warfarin. Your doctor may need to monitor you when you start or stop taking Esomeprazole. • Cilostazol (used to treat intermittent claudication - a condition where reduced blood flow to leg muscles causes pain and difficulty walking). • Cisapride (used for indigestion and heartburn). • Rifampicin (used to treat tuberculosis). • Tacrolimus (in organ transplant cases). • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) (used to treat depression). Risk of low seizure threshold. Children and adolescents: Esomeprazole should not usually be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. How to use Esomeprazole: Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. • The recommended dose is one capsule per day. • Do not take more than this recommended dose of one capsule (20 mg) per day, even if you do not feel immediate improvement. • You may need to take the capsules for two or three consecutive days before symptoms of reflux improve (for example, heartburn and acid regurgitation). • The treatment duration is up to 14 days. • When reflux symptoms completely disappear, you should stop taking this medicine. • If your reflux symptoms worsen or do not improve after 14 days of continuous use, you should consult a doctor. If you have persistent or long-term recurrent symptoms even after treatment with this medicine, you should contact your doctor. How to take this medicine • You can take the capsule at any time of the day, with food or on an empty stomach. • Swallow the capsule whole with half a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or open the capsule. This is because the capsule contains coated beads, which prevent the medicine from being broken down by the acid in your stomach. • It is important not to damage the beads. Possible side effects: Stop using the product and seek medical attention immediately if • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. How to store Esomeprazole: • Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the carton and bottle after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. • Do not store above 30°C. • Keep this medicine in the original packaging to protect it from moisture. • Do not dispose of medicines in wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use. These measures help protect the environment.