Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Esomeprazole.
Bone health: Studies suggest that the use of esomeprazole, like other PPIs, may be related to an increase risk of fractures, particularly for people who take Apo Esomeprazole for a year or longer. The lowest dose of Apo Esomeprazole to control the symptoms, taken for the shortest period of time, is less likely to cause these problems.
Diarrhea: When gastric acid is decreased, the number of bacteria normally in the digestive system increases. Occasionally, this can cause serious infection in the digestive tract. If you experience watery, foul-smelling bowel movements after starting to take esomeprazole, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Esomeprazole may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium in the blood to change while taking Apo Esomeprazole. If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Liver function: The liver is partially responsible for removing esomeprazole from the body. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Apo Esomeprazole to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Apo Esomeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Esomeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Apo Esomeprazole.
Methotrexate interaction: Esomeprazole, like other medications in this group, may interact with methotrexate when the two medications are used at the same time. This combination may lead to higher than expected amounts of methotrexate in the body and can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, Anemia, or infection. If you take esomeprazole and are also going to receive a dose of methotrexate, discuss with your doctor how Apo Esomeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Esomeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
More serious conditions of the stomach and intestines: If you experience symptoms of a more serious condition of the stomach and intestines (e.g., trouble swallowing, unplanned weight loss, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, or black stools) while taking Apo Esomeprazole, contact your doctor immediately.
Subacute cutaneous Lupus erythematosus (SCLE): Esomeprazole, like other PPIs, has been rarely associated with SCLE, an autoimmune disease. If you develop any skin lesions, especially in sun-exposed skin areas, and if accompanied by muscle aches or pains, contact your doctor immediately.
Vitamin B12: Long-term use of esomeprazole may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are a vegetarian or have low vitamin B12 levels, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.
Pregnancy: Apo Esomeprazole should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Esomeprazole, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if esomeprazole passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Apo Esomeprazole, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Apo Esomeprazole have not been established for children less than 1 year of age.
