4.1. Therapeutic indications

Nexium Control is indicated for the short‑term treatment of reflux symptoms (e.g. heartburn and acid regurgitation) in adults.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

The recommended dose is 20 mg esomeprazole (one tablet) per day.

It might be necessary to take the tablets for 2‑3 consecutive days to achieve improvement of symptoms. The duration of treatment is up to 2 weeks. Once complete relief of symptoms has occurred, treatment should be discontinued.

If symptoms worsen or if no symptom relief is obtained within 2 weeks of continuous treatment, the patient should be instructed to consult a doctor.

If a dose is forgotten, it should be taken as soon as possible on the same day. A double dose should not be taken to make up for a forgotten dose.

For oral administration only.

Not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Special populations

Patients with renal impairment

Dose adjustment is not required in patients with impaired renal function. Due to limited experience in patients with severe renal insufficiency, such patients should be treated with caution (see section 5.2).

Patients with hepatic impairment

Dose adjustment is not required in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. However, patients with severe liver impairment should be advised by a doctor before taking Nexium Control (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Elderly patients (≥65 years old)

Dose adjustment is not required in elderly patients.

Paediatric population

There is no relevant use of Nexium Control in the paediatric population below 18 years of age for the indication of “short-term treatment of reflux symptoms (e.g., heartburn and acid regurgitation)”.

Method of administration

The tablets should be swallowed whole with half a glass of water. The tablets must not be chewed or crushed.

Alternatively, the tablet can be dispersed in half a glass of non‑carbonated water. No other liquids should be used as the enteric coating may be dissolved. The water should be stirred until the tablet disintegrates. The liquid with the pellets should be drunk immediately or within 30 minutes. The glass should be rinsed with half a glass of water and the water drunk. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance, substituted benzimidazoles or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Esomeprazole must not be used concomitantly with nelfinavir or rilpivirine (oral formulations) (see section 4.5).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

General

Patients should be instructed to consult a doctor if:

• They have significant unintentional weight loss, recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, haematemesis or melaena and when gastric ulcer is suspected or present, malignancy should be excluded as treatment with esomeprazole may alleviate symptoms and delay diagnosis.

• They have had previous gastric ulcer or gastrointestinal surgery.

• They have been on continuous symptomatic treatment of indigestion or heartburn for 4 or more weeks. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.

• They have jaundice or severe liver disease.

• They are aged over 55 years with new or recently changed symptoms.

• They have frequent wheezing, particularly with heartburn.

Patients with long‑term recurrent symptoms of indigestion or heartburn should see their doctor at regular intervals. Patients over 55 years taking any non‑prescription indigestion or heartburn remedy on a daily basis should inform their pharmacist or doctor.

Patients should not take Nexium Control as a long term preventive medicinal product.

Treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may lead to a slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter and in hospitalised patients, also possibly Clostridium difficile (see section 5.1).

Patients should consult their doctor before taking this medicinal product if they are due to have an endoscopy or urea breath test.

Combination with other medicinal products

Co‑administration of esomeprazole with atazanavir is not recommended (see section 4.5). If the combination of atazanavir with a PPI is judged unavoidable, close clinical monitoring is recommended in combination with an increase in the dose of atazanavir to 400 mg with 100 mg of ritonavir. Esomeprazole 20 mg should not be exceeded.

Esomeprazole is a CYP2C19 inhibitor. When starting or ending treatment with esomeprazole, the potential for interactions with medicinal products metabolised through CYP2C19 should be considered. An interaction is observed between clopidogrel and esomeprazole. The clinical relevance of this interaction is uncertain. The use of esomeprazole with clopidogrel should be discouraged (see section 4.5).

Patients should not take another PPI or H2 antagonist concomitantly.

Interference with laboratory tests

Increased Chromogranin A (CgA) level may interfere with investigations for neuroendocrine tumours. To avoid this interference, Nexium Control treatment should be stopped for at least 5 days before CgA measurements (see section 5.1). If CgA and gastrin levels have not returned to reference range after initial measurement, measurements should be repeated 14 days after cessation of proton pump inhibitor treatment.

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE)

Proton pump inhibitors are associated with very infrequent cases of SCLE. If lesions occur, especially in sun-exposed areas of the skin, and if accompanied by arthralgia, the patient should seek medical help promptly and the health care professional should consider stopping Nexium Control. SCLE after previous treatment with a proton pump inhibitor may increase the risk of SCLE with other proton pump inhibitors.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as erythema multiforme (EM), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) which can be life-threatening or fatal, have been reported very rarely in association with esomeprazole treatment.

Patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms of the severe skin reaction EM/SJS/TEN/DRESS and should seek medical advice from their physician immediately when observing any indicative signs or symptoms. Esomeprazole should be discontinued immediately upon signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions and additional medical care/close monitoring should be provided as needed. Re-challenge should not be undertaken in patients with EM/SJS/TEN/DRESS.

Sucrose

This medicinal product contains sugar spheres (sucrose). Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose‑galactose malabsorption or sucrase‑isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicinal product.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Effects of esomeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of other medicinal products

As esomeprazole is one enantiomer of omeprazole it is reasonable to advise about interactions reported with omeprazole.

Antiretrovirals

Due to the similar pharmacodynamic effects and pharmacokinetic properties of esomeprazole, its concomitant administration may decrease serum levels of antiretroviral drugs, such as atazanavir, saquinavir (concomitant use is not recommended) and nelfinavir or rilpivirine (oral formulations contraindicated).

Protease inhibitors

Omeprazole has been reported to interact with some protease inhibitors. The clinical importance and the mechanisms behind these reported interactions are not always known. Increased gastric pH during omeprazole treatment may change the absorption of the protease inhibitors. Other possible interaction mechanisms are via inhibition of CYP2C19.

For atazanavir and nelfinavir, decreased serum levels have been reported when given together with omeprazole and concomitant administration is not recommended. Co‑administration of omeprazole (40 mg once daily) with atazanavir 300 mg/ritonavir 100 mg to healthy volunteers resulted in a substantial reduction in atazanavir exposure (approximately 75% decrease in AUC, Cmax and Cmin). Increasing the atazanavir dose to 400 mg did not compensate for the impact of omeprazole on atazanavir exposure. The co‑administration of omeprazole (20 mg once a day) with atazanavir 400 mg/ritonavir 100 mg to healthy volunteers resulted in a decrease of approximately 30% in the atazanavir exposure as compared with the exposure observed with atazanavir 300 mg/ritonavir 100 mg once a day without omeprazole 20 mg once a day. Co‑administration of omeprazole (40 mg once a day) reduced mean nelfinavir AUC, Cmax and Cmin by 36–39 % and mean AUC, Cmax and Cmin for the pharmacologically active metabolite M8 was reduced by 75‑92%. Due to the similar pharmacodynamic effects and pharmacokinetic properties of omeprazole and esomeprazole, concomitant administration with esomeprazole and atazanavir is not recommended and concomitant administration with esomeprazole and nelfinavir is contraindicated (see section 4.3 and 4.4).

For saquinavir (with concomitant ritonavir), increased serum levels (80‑100%) have been reported during concomitant omeprazole treatment (40 mg once a day). Treatment with omeprazole 20 mg once a day had no effect on the exposure of darunavir (with concomitant ritonavir) and amprenavir (with concomitant ritonavir).

Treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg once a day had no effect on the exposure of amprenavir (with and without concomitant ritonavir). Treatment with omeprazole 40 mg once a day had no effect on the exposure of lopinavir (with concomitant ritonavir).

Methotrexate

When given together with PPIs, methotrexate levels have been reported to increase in some patients. In high‑dose methotrexate administration a temporary withdrawal of esomeprazole may need to be considered.

Tacrolimus

Concomitant administration of esomeprazole has been reported to increase the serum levels of tacrolimus. A reinforced monitoring of tacrolimus concentrations as well as renal function (creatinine clearance) should be performed, and the dose of tacrolimus adjusted if needed.

Medicinal products with pH dependent absorption

Gastric acid suppression during treatment with esomeprazole and other PPIs might decrease or increase the absorption of medicinal products with a gastric pH dependent absorption. The absorption of medicinal products taken orally such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, erlotinib and levothyroxine can decrease and dose adjustments may be required during treatment with esomeprazole and the absorption of digoxin can increase during treatment with esomeprazole.

Concomitant treatment with omeprazole (20 mg daily) and digoxin in healthy subjects increased the bioavailability of digoxin by 10% (up to 30% in two out of ten subjects). Digoxin toxicity has been rarely reported. However, caution should be exercised when esomeprazole is given at high doses in elderly patients. Therapeutic monitoring of digoxin should then be reinforced.

Medicinal products metabolised by CYP2C19

Esomeprazole inhibits CYP2C19, the major esomeprazole metabolising enzyme. Thus, when esomeprazole is combined with medicinal products metabolised by CYP2C19, such as warfarin, phenytoin, citalopram, imipramine, clomipramine, diazepam, etc., the plasma concentrations of these medicinal products may be increased and a dose reduction could be needed. In case of clopidogrel, a prodrug which is transformed into its active metabolite via CYP2C19, the plasma concentrations of the active metabolite may be decreased.

Warfarin

Concomitant administration of 40 mg esomeprazole to warfarin‑treated patients in a clinical study showed that coagulation times were within the accepted range. However, post‑marketing, a few isolated cases of elevated INR of clinical significance have been reported during concomitant treatment. Monitoring is recommended when initiating and ending concomitant esomeprazole treatment during treatment with warfarin or other coumarine derivatives.

Clopidogrel

Results from studies in healthy subjects have shown a pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) interaction between clopidogrel (300 mg loading dose/75 mg daily maintenance dose) and esomeprazole (40 mg orally daily) resulting in decreased exposure to the active metabolite of clopidogrel by an average of 40%, and resulting in decreased maximum inhibition of (ADP induced) platelet aggregation by an average of 14%.

In a study in healthy subjects, there was a decreased exposure by almost 40% of the active metabolite of clopidogrel when a fixed dose combination of esomeprazole 20 mg + acetylsalicylic acid 81 mg was given with clopidogrel compared to clopidogrel alone. However, the maximum levels of inhibition of (ADP induced) platelet aggregation in these subjects were the same in both groups.

Inconsistent data on the clinical implications of this PK/PD interaction in terms of major cardiovascular events have been reported from both observational and clinical studies. As a precaution, concomitant use of esomeprazole and clopidogrel should be discouraged.

Phenytoin

Concomitant administration of 40 mg esomeprazole resulted in a 13% increase in trough plasma levels of phenytoin in epileptic patients. It is recommended to monitor the plasma concentrations of phenytoin when treatment with esomeprazole is introduced or withdrawn.

Voriconazole

Omeprazole (40 mg once daily) increased voriconazole (a CYP2C19 substrate) Cmax and AUC by 15% and 41%, respectively.

Cilostazol

Omeprazole as well as esomeprazole act as inhibitors of CYP2C19. Omeprazole, given in doses of 40 mg to healthy subjects in a cross‑over study, increased Cmax and AUC for cilostazol by 18% and 26% respectively, and one of its active metabolites by 29% and 69% respectively.

Cisapride

In healthy volunteers, concomitant administration of 40 mg esomeprazole resulted in a 32% increase in area under the plasma concentration‑time curve (AUC) and a 31% prolongation of elimination half‑life(t1/2) but no significant increase in peak plasma levels of cisapride. The slightly prolonged QTc interval observed after administration of cisapride alone, was not further prolonged when cisapride was given in combination with esomeprazole.

Diazepam

Concomitant administration of 30 mg esomeprazole resulted in a 45% decrease in clearance of the CYP2C19 substrate diazepam.

Investigated medicinal products with no clinically relevant interaction

Amoxicillin and quinidine

Esomeprazole has been shown to have no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin and quinidine.

Naproxen or rofecoxib

Studies evaluating concomitant administration of esomeprazole and either naproxen or rofecoxib did not identify any clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions during short‑term studies.

Effects of other medicinal products on the pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole

Medicinal products which inhibit CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4

Esomeprazole is metabolised by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. Concomitant administration of esomeprazole and a CYP3A4 inhibitor, clarithromycin (500 mg twice a day (b.i.d.)), resulted in a doubling of the exposure (AUC) to esomeprazole. Concomitant administration of esomeprazole and a combined inhibitor of CYP2C19 and CYP 3A4 may result in more than doubling of the esomeprazole exposure. The CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitor voriconazole increased omeprazole AUCt by 280%. A dose adjustment of esomeprazole is not regularly required in either of these situations. However, dose adjustment should be considered in patients with severe hepatic impairment and if long‑term treatment is indicated.

Medicinal products which induce CYP2C19 and/or CYP3A4

Medicinal products known to induce CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 or both (such as rifampicin and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may lead to decreased esomeprazole serum levels by increasing the esomeprazole metabolism.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

A moderate amount of data on pregnant women (between 300‑1,000 pregnancy outcomes) indicate no malformative or feto/ neonatal toxicity of esomeprazole.

Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Nexium Control during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Limited information indicates that maternal doses of esomeprazole produce low levels in breast milk. There is insufficient information on the effects of esomeprazole in newborns/infants. Esomeprazole should not be used during breast‑feeding.

Fertility

Animal studies with the racemic mixture omeprazole, given by oral administration do not indicate effects with respect to fertility.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Esomeprazole has minor influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Adverse reactions such as dizziness and visual disturbances are uncommon (see section 4.8). If affected, patients should not drive or use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nausea are among those adverse reactions that have been most commonly reported in clinical studies (and also from post‑marketing use). In addition, the safety profile is similar for different formulations, treatment indications, age groups and patient populations. No dose‑related adverse reactions have been identified.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The following adverse reactions have been identified or suspected in the clinical studies programme for esomeprazole and post‑marketing. The reactions are classified according to MedDRA frequency convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Not known

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

leukopenia, thrombocytopenia

agranulocytosis, pancytopenia

Immune system disorders

hypersensitivity reactions e.g. fever, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction/shock

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

peripheral oedema

hyponatraemia

hypomagne-saemia; severe hypomagne-saemia can correlate with hypocalcae-mia; hypomagne-saemia may also result in hypokalaem-ia

Psychiatric disorders

insomnia

agitation, confusion, depression

aggression, hallucinations

Nervous system disorders

headache

dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence

taste disturbance

Eye disorders

blurred vision

Ear and labyrinth disorders

vertigo

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

bronchospasm

Gastrointestinal disorders

abdominal pain, constipa-tion, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea/ vomiting, fundic gland polyps (benign)

dry mouth

stomatitis, gastrointestinal candidiasis

microscopic colitis

Hepatobiliary disorders

increased liver enzymes

hepatitis with or without jaundice

hepatic failure, hepatic encephalopathy in patients with pre-existing liver disease

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

dermatitis, pruritus, rash urticaria

alopecia, photosensitivity

erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (see section 4.4).

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

arthralgia, myalgia

muscular weakness

Renal and urinary disorders

Interstitial nephritis

Reproductive system and breast disorders

gynaecomastia

General disorders and administration site disorders

malaise, increased sweating

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

There is very limited experience to date with deliberate overdose. The symptoms described in connection with 280 mg esomeprazole were gastrointestinal symptoms and weakness. Single doses of 80 mg esomeprazole were uneventful. No specific antidote is known. Esomeprazole is extensively plasma protein bound and is therefore not readily dialysable. Treatment should be symptomatic and general supportive measures should be utilised.