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.
NEXIUM is part of a class of drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). There are six available medications in this class and only some of them have generic equivalents. NEXIUM does not have a generic equivalent.
It is important to know that no two drugs in one class are exactly the same. In fact, not all medications work the same for all patients, including the generic equivalents. When your doctor prescribes a medication, it is because they feel it is the right one for you. So what can you as the patient do to ensure that you get the medication your doctor requested?
Below you find 5 easy tips to consider for your next trip to the pharmacy:
- Ask your doctor to write "medically necessary"€, "€œmay not substitute"€, or dispense as written"€ on the prescription, as this requires the pharmacist to check with you and your doctor before making switches.
- Before leaving the doctor's office, be sure you understand why your doctor has prescribed that specific medication.
- Take the time to ask questions and ensure you're getting the medicine you've been prescribed.
- Be familiar with what your medication looks like and know both the brand and generic name of that medicine.
- Request that your physician and/or pharmacist put a note in your records indicating that you take a particular medication and not to switch it.
