The side effects from taking esomeprazole vary between individuals, but most people who use this treatment will experience no side effects. If you do feel any side effects, they usually start mild and will disappear once you stop taking esomeprazole. Common mild side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Wind
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
These usually affect 1 in 100 people. If you’re bothered about these side effects or they won’t go away, then you should talk to a pharmacist or doctor. More severe side effects that occur in less than 1 in 1000 people include:
- Joint pain and abnormal changes in skin – redness, raised rash, blistering.
- Yellow skin, dark urine and extreme tiredness
In rare cases, people can experience a serious allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis. If you experience any of these serious side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately or go to A&E.
What to do if you get Esomeprazole side effects
Even though side effects are rare, it’s important to seek medical attention if you do experience them. If you encounter any mild or common side effects, then you should keep an eye on them. Avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of fluids, eating the right foods and speaking to your pharmacist about a suitable painkiller will manage most of the common side effects of using esomeprazole.
If you experience any of the severe side effects listed above or you start wheezing, have trouble breathing, a tight chest or swelling around your face or throat, then you should call 999 or get someone to take you to A&E. The full list of esomeprazole side effects will be located in the leaflet inside the packet of medicine.
What are the side effects of long-term use of Esomeprazole?
It’s not known if the long-term use of esomeprazole will reduce the effectiveness of the medication. You should talk to your doctor if you feel like it isn’t working as well as it used to. If you take esomeprazole for over 3 months, the concentration of magnesium in your blood may drop. This can cause dizziness, confusion, tiredness, muscle twitches and an irregular heartbeat.
If you take esomeprazole for over a year, then it could increase your chances of getting a bone fracture, gut infection or a vitamin B12 deficiency. Signs of a B12 deficiency include extreme tiredness and fatigue, a red and sore tongue, pins and needles and mouth ulcers. If you’ve been told to stay on esomeprazole for more than a year, then your doctor should be checking your health regularly.
Back to top