Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is esomeprazole magnesium. It reduces acid in your stomach. Esomeprazole helps treat conditions like GERD, ulcers, and inflammation of the esophagus. It can also protect against ulcers in people who take medicines called 'NSAIDs'. This medicine may have other uses, too. 

You should take this medicine exactly how your doctor tells you to. You should take your dose at least ONE HOUR before a meal. You should swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water, and do not crush or chew it. People who are unable to swallow the capsules should read the 'Instructions for Use'. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, stomach pain, gas, nausea and either diarrhea or constipation. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking it, please talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Over time, this medicine can cause low levels of vitamin B-12 and magnesium. You should ask your doctor how to keep an eye on this.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects could occur. With esomeprazole, these include bone fractures, diarrhea from a gut infection, kidney problems, certain types of lupus, and more. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. 
To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely. 

This medicine can interact with other medicines. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines.

Women should talk to their doctors before taking this medicine during pregnancy and before breastfeeding.

For best results with esomeprazole, you should work with your doctor to find the lowest dose that works for you and use it for the shortest time needed.