Most people have heard of "the purple pill" but do you know what it's for?
AstraZeneca's (NYSE:AZN) Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) is for the relief of persistent heartburn. Heartburn is considered "persistent" if you experience it two or more days a week.
What makes Nexium different from standard antacid (yes, we all use to take TUMS for heartburn before) is that it actually heals erosions in the esophagus. Acid churning up for the stomach can, over time, wear away the lining of the esophagus causing erosions that are not healed by antacids.
Treatment is usually 1 pill a day, at least 1 hour before a meal with a full glass of water. Though the symptoms of GERD/NERD may cease, continue the treatment for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor.
Less serious side effects include: diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, nausea, stomach pain or constipation.
Nexium was the second best selling prescription drug according to Drug Topics 200 Top Brand Name Drugs By Retail Dollar in 2006 with retail sales of over $4,000,000,000 up 18% from 2005.
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» Stock Market Fluctuations in Big Pharmas as of February 8, 2008 from PharmaGazette
Company Name, Symbol, Share Price, ChangeAbbott Laboratories' (NYSE:ABT) - $56.80 -1.30 (-2.24%) AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) - $37.96 -0.76 (-1.96%) Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) - $23.07 -0.27 (-1.16%) Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE:LL... [Read More]
Tracked on: February 8, 2008 3:41 PM | Permalink to Trackback