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Generic Nexium
Although generic Nexium is not yet available, several other types of proton pump inhibitors may be effective alternatives. These other options include prescription drugs such as Protonix, Prevacid, and AcipHex. In addition, three nonprescription proton pump inhibitors are available.
Nexium® (esomeprazole magnesium) is a medication that has been licensed to treat a number of conditions, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Erosive esophagitis
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.
Nexium is also used to prevent peptic ulcers, which are ulcers that occur in the stomach or the first part of the intestine.
The drug is manufactured by AstraZeneca. It is currently under the protection of patents that prevent any generic Nexium from being manufactured in the United States.
This is a difficult question to answer. There are numerous patents for Nexium, the first of which expires in 2014. There have already been a few lawsuits between AstraZeneca and manufacturers of generic drugs, and there will likely be several more. Until these legal matters are fully settled, it is impossible to predict when generic Nexium may become available.
No -- esomeprazole magnesium is the active ingredient in Nexium, but is not a generic version of it. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD