{"id":60360,"date":"2023-09-14T11:40:45","date_gmt":"2023-09-14T15:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=60360"},"modified":"2025-12-15T15:44:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T20:44:55","slug":"nexium-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nexium-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Nexium generic availability, cost, and dosage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Acid reflux, with symptoms of heartburn, is also known as <\/span>gastroesophageal reflux disease<\/span><\/a> (GERD; a <\/span>more serious form of acid reflux<\/span><\/a>). One may have heard of or taken a medication called Nexium to help relieve this condition. <\/span>Nexium<\/span><\/a> is part of the <\/span>proton pump inhibitor<\/span><\/a> (PPI) class of drugs, and the generic name of Nexium is esomeprazole. PPIs work by <\/span>decreasing the amount of acid <\/span><\/a>produced by the stomach. Nexium was <\/span>approved<\/span><\/a> by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001. Nexium is chemically similar to <\/span>Prilosec<\/span><\/a> (omeprazole), the first PPI approved by the FDA in 1989.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Nexium is available in brand and generic, prescription, and over-the-counter forms. <\/span>As of 2023<\/span><\/a>, almost 1.1 million people in the U.S. filled over 3.8 million prescriptions for generic Nexium. Although many refer to this medicine as Nexium, generic esomeprazole can offer significant cost savings. Continue reading to learn more about Nexium and its generic esomeprazole.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Nexium vs. Prilosec: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is there a generic for Nexium?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The FDA approved the first generic of prescription Nexium, <\/span>esomeprazole<\/span><\/a>, in <\/span>January 2015<\/span><\/a>. Nexium is still a brand-name product, but it is more commonly dispensed by pharmacies as generic esomeprazole. Generic esomeprazole is manufactured by numerous pharmaceutical companies. If a healthcare provider prescribes Nexium, the pharmacist will likely dispense esomeprazole unless a patient or the healthcare provider specifically requests the brand name.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nexium and esomeprazole can also be purchased over the counter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Nexium?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The following table summarizes important information about the difference between brand and generic Nexium.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug information<\/strong><\/td>\nNexium (esomeprazole)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Uses (Rx form)<\/span><\/td>\n\n
Uses (OTC form)<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Treats frequent heartburn that occurs 2 or more days per week<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Varies by indication<\/span><\/li>\n
  • A common adult prescription dosage is 20-40 mg once daily<\/span><\/li>\n
  • OTC: 20 mg once daily for 14 days<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common side effects<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Headache<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Stomach side effects (nausea, gas, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea)<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Less common adverse reactions may include back or chest pain, weakness, swelling, hot flashes, flulike symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Serious side effects may occur, such as severe allergic reactions or skin reactions that require emergency medical help<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Consult a provider for a complete list of possible side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contraindications<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • People with allergies to esomeprazole, omeprazole, any other PPI, or any ingredient in the medication should not take Nexium<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other considerations<\/span><\/td>\n\n