Shortage of esomeprazole magnesium oral suspension

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of esomeprazole magnesium oral suspension. This drug shortage affects people who have been prescribed the oral suspension for various reasons. There is no shortage of the capsules containing the same drug. AstraZeneca cites "manufacturing delays" for the shortage of their brand name drug, Nexium. If someone is taking aspirin (but not the 81 mg enteric-coated aspirin), ibuprofen, naproxen or various other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs over the long term, Nexium is useful to avoid the ulcers which are a common adverse reaction to these drugs. A person suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease may take Nexium to prevent damage to their esophagus when their stomach contents come back up the wrong way. Since even very young children may have GERD, this is probably the main group that will be affected by this drug shortage. Nexium is also taken with amoxicillin and clarithromycin to eradicate Helicobacter pylori and thus avoid the recurrence of ulcers due to this infection.

Their are important drug interactions with some other commonly prescribed drugs and also with anti-HIV drugs, so it is important that your doctor know what you are taking, both prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.

Shortage of injectable pantoprazole

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of injectable pantoprazole. This drug, brand name Protonix, is sometimes necessary for the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also used off-label in an attempt to gain control of bleeding stomach ulcers. The drug slows down the production of stomach acid, and slows the increase in number of acid-secreting cells in the case of ZES. Both GERD and ZES may result in so much damage to the lining of the esophagus due to excess acid from the stomach that it is impossible to take anything by mouth, thus the importance of this injectable form of the drug.

Shortage of lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablets

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports a shortage of lansoprazole orally disintegrating tablets. This particular presentation of lansoprazole is very important for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly called heartburn, but uncommonly serious in some people whose esophagus is constantly exposed to stomach acid. This results in burns, ulcers and swallowing difficulties. The significant fact is that this drug formulation disintegrates in the mouth and can be taken without swallowing water. The shortage is caused in part by the voluntary withdrawal from the market of Teva's product earlier this year. The FDA notice explains in detail. Sandoz provided no reason for their shortage.