Is Generic Nexium Available?

Nexium is a drug manufactured by a company named AstraZeneca. This drug is known to effectively treat several ailments, with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) being the most important one. The drug has been patented to AstraZeneca, hence only this company is licensed to sell it. Due to its effectiveness in treating GERD and various other stomach ulcers, common people are often interested in knowing how Nexium works, is its generic form available, and what are its substitutes, if any.

How Does Nexium Work
GERD, commonly known as acid reflux disease or heartburn, is a disease in which the stomach acids are regurgitated back in esophagus. The acid also prevents healing of stomach ulcers, peptic ulcers etc. Nexium acts as a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI). The action of this drug is directly targeted at the enzymes producing the acids. By blocking the enzymes, the drug reduces the acid production. As a result, there is no incidence of acid flowing back in the esophagus. This also helps stomach ulcers and peptic ulcers to heal completely. Thus, Nexium can be effectively used to treat all these conditions.

Is Generic Nexium Available
Currently, the answer to the above question is 'No'! There are many legal battles going on between the pioneer company AstraZeneca and the manufacturers of generic drugs. Besides, there are several patents for this drug. The first of these patents is due to expire in 2014. Hence, until 2014, there is no hope of getting generic Nexium. Also, the ongoing legal battle will take several years to get settled. By this time, new lawsuits will keep on adding to the existing one. In short, the chances of getting generic Nexium in near future look very bleak.

Truth about Generic Nexium Available Online
If you surf the Internet, you will notice that various websites have put generic Nexium tablets for sale. However, before you fall for these advertisements, you may want to know about certain facts concerning these drugs. The drug that is most commonly touted as generic Nexium is Esomeprazole. Esomeprazole contains Nexium as an active ingredient. Sometimes, the product is often wrongly named by its active ingredient. Just because Esomeprazole contains Nexium, it is wrong to assume that it is a generic form of Nexium, and that it derives all the properties of Nexium. Remember, for any product to become generic, the pioneer company's patent should have expired, or it should have gone off patent for some reason. Besides, the product should be manufactured by at least one other manufacturer apart from the pioneer company. In this case, there is no other manufacturer of Nexium, other than AstraZeneca. Although, it is alright to use Esomeprazole for treating similar ailments, remember, it definitely is not generic Nexium.

Substitutes for Nexium
Currently, Nexium is available only with a prescription, and that too at a very high price. If your medical condition does not demand exclusive use of Nexium, or you suffer from any Nexium side effects, then you may want to consider other options. As mentioned before, Nexium belongs to the class of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI). Hence, you may use other drugs in the same class for treating your individual condition. The other drugs apart from Esomeprazole that can be used as substitutes for Nexium are:

• Pantoprazole (Protonix®)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid®)
• Rabeprazole (AcipHex®)
• Omeprazole (Prilosec®)
• Omeprazole and Sodium Bicarbonate
• Zegerid®
• Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®)

Besides, the above prescription drugs, over the counter substitutes for Nexium are also available, which are as follows:

• Prevacid®
• Prilosec OTC®
• Zegerid OTC™

The substitutes for Nexium mentioned in this article should be consumed with the proper knowledge of a physician.