Esomeprazole strontium

1.INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Adults Healing of Erosive Esophagitis Esomeprazole strontium is indicated for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) in the healing and symptomatic resolution of diagnostically confirmed erosive esophagitis. For those patients who have not healed after 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, an additional 4 to 8 week course of esomeprazole strontium may be considered. Maintenance of Healing of Erosive Esophagitis Esomeprazole strontium is indicated to maintain symptom resolution and healing of erosive esophagitis. Controlled studies do not extend beyond 6 months. Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Esomeprazole strontium is indicated for short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD in adults.

Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that suppresses gastric acid secretion by specific inhibition of the H + /K + -ATPase in the gastric parietal cell. The S- and R-isomers of omeprazole are protonated and converted in the acidic compartment of the parietal cell forming the active inhibitor, the achiral sulphenamide. By acting specifically on the proton pump, esomeprazole blocks the final step in acid production, thus reducing gastric acidity. This effect is dose-related up to a daily dose of 20 to 40 mg and leads to inhibition of gastric acid secretion.

2.DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Esomeprazole strontium is supplied as delayed-release capsules for oral administration. The recommended dosages are outlined in Table 1. Esomeprazole strontium should be taken at least one hour before meals. The duration of proton pump inhibitor administration should be based on available safety and efficacy data specific to the defined indication and dosing frequency, as described in the prescribing information, and individual patient medical needs. Proton pump inhibitor treatment should only be initiated and continued if the benefits outweigh the risks of treatment. Special Populations Hepatic Insufficiency In patients with mild to moderate liver impairment (Child Pugh Classes A and B), no dosage adjustment is necessary.

4.CONTRAINDICATIONS Esomeprazole strontium is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to proton pump inhibitors. Hypersensitivity reactions may include anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, bronchospasm, acute interstitial nephritis, and urticaria. For information about contraindications of antibacterial agents (clarithromycin and amoxicillin) indicated in combination with esomeprazole strontium, refer to the CONTRAINDICATIONS section of their package inserts. Patients with known hypersensitivity to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (angioedema and anaphylaxis have occurred)

5.WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Presence of Gastric Malignancy In adults, symptomatic response to therapy with esomeprazole strontium does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. Consider additional follow-up and diagnostic testing in adult patients who have a suboptimal response or an early symptomatic relapse after completing treatment with a PPI. In older patients, also consider an endoscopy.

6.ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in labeling: Acute Interstitial Nephritis Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhea Bone Fracture Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) Deficiency Hypomagnesemia

7.DRUG INTERACTIONS Interference with Antiretroviral Therapy Concomitant use of atazanavir and nelfinavir with proton pump inhibitors is not recommended. Coadministration of atazanavir with proton pump inhibitors is expected to substantially decrease atazanavir plasma concentrations and may result in a loss of therapeutic effect and the development of drug resistance. Coadministration of saquinavir with proton pump inhibitors is expected to increase saquinavir concentrations, which may increase toxicity and require dose reduction. Omeprazole, of which esomeprazole is an enantiomer, has been reported to interact with some antiretroviral drugs. The clinical importance and the mechanisms behind these interactions are not always known. Increased gastric pH during omeprazole treatment may change the absorption of the antiretroviral drug. Other possible interaction mechanisms are via CYP2C19.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).