Health authorities in several African countries are waging a battle against so-called “all-natural” medications that claim to cure everything from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis to depression.
The ongoing battle to avoid government scrutiny has raised questions about the effectiveness of some of the most widely prescribed “all-natural” treatments.
In one such battle, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking to a supplement known as Prilosec, to treat back pain and other conditions that may be caused by prescription drug use.
While “all-natural” approaches may sound appealing, the FDA is still encouraging companies to adopt safer, more effective “all-natural” approaches. While “all-natural” products claim to ease discomfort and pain, the FDA has not specifically warned consumers about their safety.
One such product is Prilosec, an over-the-counter version of Nexium, the popular all-natural drug that treats acid reflux and heartburn.
Prilosec is sold under the brand name Prilosec OTC in many countries, including the U. S., and is only available by prescription in some countries.
Prilosec’s side effects, which include stomach upset and bloating, are not unusual or unusual for people who have experienced them before. Some of the most common side effects are as follows:
The FDA has issued a warning that over-the-counter Prilosec products, such as Nexium, may not be safe or effective for people with certain conditions.
Healthcare experts say that safety has not been on the agenda in many countries but that the FDA should be able to monitor the effectiveness of these “all-natural” treatments.
“I think people should be very cautious, especially if they have suffered from stomach ulcers, asthma, or other conditions,” says Dr. Jane F. RCMPon, a medical epidemiologist at the University of Missouri.
“There’s no reason to expect that Prilosec products, especially over-the-counter, should not be sold in countries that do not require prescription drug advertising.”
Dr. F RCMPon is a professor of health at the University of Missouri at Missouri and a former editor of theMonthly Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. His research examines the use of prescription drugs in health care settings.
“There’s a lot of confusion around over-the-counter drugs. Some drugs have been over-the-counter for decades and some don’t.”
The FDA has directed the public not to use the term “all-natural” products for a variety of reasons.
While the FDA has warned consumers about safety concerns about the over-the-counter versions of prescription drug products, the agency has also ordered companies to update their product labels with new information about the drug’s side effects and other drug interactions.
One of the latest FDA warning actions is the warning about the side effects of some prescription drug products. Some of the most common side effects of these products include stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
A review of over-the-counter drugs revealed that more than three out of four of these products contained hidden drug ingredients, and the FDA has not issued a warning for all of them.
Dr.cessive use of certain prescription drugs can lead to serious health complications, including heart problems, cancer, and blood clots.
The FDA has also mandated that some prescription drug products have their packaging changed, which has sparked a debate among health care experts and consumers about whether the over-the-counter versions should be sold in countries that do not require advertising.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used to manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children over the age of 18. Heartburn and acid regurgitation occur more often. Nexium 24-chest pack 20mg gastroesophageal reflux is caused by acid stomach contents (proton pump inhibitors) entering into the stomach through the esophagus.
Key features:
Indications:
Directions for use:
You should not take Nexium 24-chest or 28-chest in the last 6 months of treatment unless directed by a doctor. In that case, you should contact a doctor right away.
Warnings/Precautions:
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you think you may be allergic to this product or if you think you may be allergic to other medicines.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are used to manage GERD in adults and children over the age of 18.
ReferencesWhat is NEXIUM (esomeprazole magnesium)?
NEXIUM is a medication that helps your body fight stomach acid and reduce symptoms associated with GERD (GERD related gastrointestinal disease). It is important to know that Nexium does not protect against the overactive stomach lining in the stomach. Nexium is also used to treat stomach ulcers, and may be prescribed to heal ulcers on other stomachs or other parts of the digestive system.
What is NEXIUM?
NEXIUM is an antacid that is made from the active ingredient of the medication. It is used to treat the symptoms of acid reflux, ulcers and to treat other conditions associated with stomach acid. NEXIUM helps to reduce symptoms of GERD (GERD related gastrointestinal disease). Nexium also relieves symptoms of acid reflux, ulcers and to treat other conditions associated with stomach acid.
This medication belongs to the class of drugs called H2-receptor antagonists, and is available in tablets or capsules.
NEXIUM is an antacid and works by blocking the absorption of the stomach acid into the body. It helps to reduce symptoms of GERD (GERD related gastrointestinal disease). NEXIUM also helps relieve symptoms of stomach ulcers, and may be used in patients with reflux or ulcers.
How to Use NEXIUM
This medication should be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. It is usually taken once a day for up to six weeks. You should take it as directed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better in a few days. Do not take more than one dose of NEXIUM per day. It may take longer to see a doctor if your symptoms are getting worse.
Dosage
NEXIUM is available in tablet and capsule form. It is usually taken once a day, once in the morning, once in the evening and once in the early afternoon. Take the medicine in the morning as directed by your doctor.
Side Effects
Side effects of NEXIUM include:
NEXIUM is generally well tolerated. However, it can cause certain side effects in some people. These side effects may be mild to moderate in severity. It is important to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience, especially if they are new or if they change over time.
NEXIUM can cause serious side effects in some people. For example, you may develop diarrhea when taking NEXIUM and should be careful to avoid drinking too much water. If you develop any of the following symptoms, stop taking NEXIUM and call your doctor:
Severe allergic reactions including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, throat, and/or chest pain. Stop taking NEXIUM and tell your doctor if these symptoms occur.
It may also be important to avoid excessive sunlight or use sun lamps while you are taking NEXIUM. If you do get sunburned, wash your hands with soap and water and bathe the area with cool water and do not use sun lamps.
NEXIUM may cause diarrheaDiarrhea may indicate the presence of food or water in your stool. If you have diarrhea that is not severe or continues after you have taken NEXIUM, it is advisable to see your doctor for the full course of treatment. Do not take NEXIUM if you have diarrhea that does not go away after you take it.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the use of NEXIUM if you are taking other antacids containing magnesium. NEXIUM may increase the risk of stomach bleeding and heart attack. The risk increases with higher doses, as long as you are not using more than one antacid at a time.
NEXIUM can cause stomach painIf you experience stomach pain that bothers you or that does not go away, call your doctor. You may also experience stomach pain that is not relieved by taking NEXIUM.
NEXIUM may increase the risk of blood clotsIf you have a history of blood clots, you may be at a higher risk for this condition. You should discuss the benefits and risks of NEXIUM with your doctor.
General Product DescriptionNexium 24HR Once Daily Dosing Tablets provide lasting relief from frequent heartburn and acid reflux. They providelasting symptomatic relief of frequent heartburn, acid regurgitation and other symptoms associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Key Features
Directions For UseAdults 18 years of age and over:Take 1 tablet daily for at least 7 days and up to 14 days. Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Do not take for more than 14 days unless drected byt a doctor.Not intended for immediate relief. It may take a few days to achieve maximum results.
WarningsAlways read and follow the directions before use. If symptoms persist, disconinue use and consult your healthcare professional. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or under the age of 18.
IngredientsEach tablet contains: Esomeprazole 20mg (as Magnesium Trihydrate).
Untreated heartburn and acid reflux. Meglix 20mg (as Diclofenac sodium, a medication used to treat inflammatory heartburn, diclofenac diethylamine, for example Diclofenac diethylamine (Voltaren), diclofenac diethylamine (Voltaren), diflucan (Anacin), propylthiouracil (up to 1%) Pepcid 20mg (as Pepcid, a medication used to treat pancreatic and gastric ulcers, is used to treat heartburn and indigestion.
Nexium 24HR Once Daily Dosing is for oral use only. It is not for use by children. Keep to the recommended dose. If symptoms persist, doctor change the dose.
Do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding, under the age of 18.
Read the Patient Information leaflet before use and give to doctor as directed.To Treat frequent heartburnTo ensure you are getting the most effective treatment, continue to take the prescribed dose at the lowest dose possible. Do not change your treatment.
Always take the prescribed dose according to the instructions on the label. Do not increase or decrease the dose without first your doctor's advice.
Always use the product to treat symptoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How to reduce the dose of Nexium 24HR to prevent heartburnDirectionAdults 18 years of age and over: Take 1 tablet daily for at least 7 days and up to 14 days. Do not take for more than 14 days unless doctor give you an order.
How quickly Nexium 24HR can cause side effectsDirections
How long Nexium 24HR stays in your bodyActive principle of NexiumDo not use for more than 14 days unless a doctor has told you to. Unless doctor give you an order, replace any film or tablet with aribeg 20mg (esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate).
Never take more than directed by your doctor.
Do not give to children under 18 years of age. Heartburn can be dangerous if you are near the time for the anticipated event.