Izra 40 mg is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is also used to promote the healing of erosive esophagitis. Izra may also be given to prevent gastric ulcers caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Izra contains Esomeprazole, which relieves heartburn and other symptoms caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the canal to the stomach (the esophagus)--a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also prescribed to heal the damage (erosive esophagitis) that reflux disease can cause. Prescribed in combination with the antibiotics Biaxin and Amoxil, Nexium is also used to treat the infection that causes most duodenal ulcers (ulcers occurring just beyond the exit from the stomach). Like its sister drug Prilosec, Nexium works by reducing the production of stomach acid.

Take Izra at least one hour before meals. Be careful to swallow it whole. If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open the capsule and carefully pour the pellets onto one tablespoon of applesauce. The applesauce should not be hot. Mix in the pellets, then swallow the applesauce immediately, without chewing.

Do not use Izra if you are allergic to any ingredient in Izra or similar medicines (e.g., omeprazole). Avoid taking Esomeprazole if you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (e.g., atazanavir). Don't take an extra dose if you have missed the dose. Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these applies to you.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or becomes bothersome:

• Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, gas, headache, nausea, pain, swelling, redness at the injection site, and stomach pain

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain, fast heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, unusual bruising, or bleeding; unusual tiredness.