Nexium is used for the treatment of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and H. Pylori infection, etc. These drugs work by reducing the amount of uric acid produced in the stomach. Apart from the aforementioned diseases, the drug is also prescribed for the treatment of erosive esophagitis. It is common for most medications to have one or two side effects, which is also the case with Nexium. Adverse Effects One of the most common side effects of this medicine is, headache, which is experienced by a majority of users. However, it must not be forgotten that headaches could also occur due to many other reasons. It's advisable to consult a doctor, when headache occurs after taking the medicine. People on this medication often suffer from diarrhea, which can be a severe one, accompanied with inflammation of the intestines. Abdominal pain and stomachache may also accompany these symptoms. Other than these, there are some other side effects which are rare, but may turn out to be severe. They include dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, fever, chills, sleepiness, muscle and joint pain, and swelling of legs, mouth, lips, face, or tongue. The patient may also experience some allergic reactions like skin rash, hives, itching, tightness in the chest, breathing difficulty, and unusual hoarseness of the voice. Dizziness, hair loss, blurred vision, depression, and confusion are some of the long-term side effects. Some people may also experience chest pain, rapid heartbeat, sore throat, bleeding, and fatigue. Swelling, blistering, and peeling off of the skin may also occur in some cases. Risk of fracture in the hip, wrist, or spine has been reported as a long-term side effect, in patients above the age of 50 years. Patients suffering from medicine-related allergic reactions, must avoid the use of esomeprazole or any other benzimidazole medication. This is due to the risk of drug interaction. In order to reduce the risk of side effects, a few simple precautionary measures can be followed. Before administering the drug, one must inform his/her health care provider, whether he/she has any liver condition or any kind of any medicine allergy. In case of women, information about pregnancy and breastfeeding should be provided. It is also important to inform the doctor about any kind of medications that the person is currently on. These might include OTC medications, prescription medicines, vitamin supplements, and any herbal supplements. As there have been no major studies on its effects on pregnant women, expecting mothers should be extra careful about using this drug. Although animal trials show negative results about its effect on unborn babies, nursing mothers should refrain from breastfeeding when on medication. As aforementioned, Nexium is recommended for the treatment of many medical conditions. It might cause some side effects, which can be avoided by proper medical guidance. Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.