Adults

Nexium tablets are indicated for:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

-    treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis

-    long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse

-    symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

In combination with appropriate antibacterial therapeutic regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and

-    healing of Helicobacter pylori associated duodenal ulcer and

-    prevention of relapse of peptic ulcers in patients with Helicobacter pylori associated ulcers

Patients requiring continued NSAID therapy

Healing of gastric ulcers associated with NSAID therapy.

Prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID therapy, in patients at risk. Prolonged treatment after i.v. induced prevention of rebleeding of peptic ulcers. Treatment of Zollinger Ellison Syndrome

Adolescents  from  the  age        of 12 years

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

-    treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis

-    long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse

-    symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

In combination with antibiotics in treatment of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori

Posology

Adults

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

- treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis

40 mg once daily for 4 weeks.

An additional 4 weeks treatment is recommended for patients in whom esophagitis has not healed or who have persistent symptoms.

- Prolonged treatment after i.v. induced prevention of rebleeding of peptic ulcers.

40 mg once daily for 4 weeks after i.v. induced prevention of rebleeding of peptic ulcers.

- long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse

20 mg once daily.

- symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

20 mg once daily in patients without esophagitis. If symptom control has not been achieved after 4 weeks, the patient should be further investigated. Once symptoms have resolved, subsequent symptom control can be achieved using 20 mg once daily. An on demand regimen taking 20 mg once daily, when needed, can be used. In NSAID treated patients at risk of developing gastric and duodenal ulcers, subsequent symptom control using an on demand regimen is not recommended.

In combination with appropriate antibacterial therapeutic regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and

- healing of Helicobacter pylori associated duodenal ulcer and

- prevention of relapse of peptic ulcers in patients with Helicobacter pylori associated ulcers

20 mg Nexium with 1 g amoxicillin and 500 mg clarithromycin, all twice daily for 7 days.

Patients requiring continued NSAID therapy

- healing of gastric ulcers associated with NSAID therapy:

The usual dose is 20 mg once daily. The treatment duration is 4-8 weeks.

- prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers associated with NSAID therapy in patients at risk:

20 mg once daily.

Treatment of Zollinger Ellison Syndrome

The recommended initial dosage is Nexium 40 mg twice daily. The dosage should then be individually adjusted and treatment continued as long as clinically indicated. Based on the clinical data available, the majority of patients can be controlled on doses between 80 to 160 mg esomeprazole daily. With doses above 80 mg daily, the dose should be divided and given twice daily.

Special Populations

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).

Hepatic impairment

Dose adjustment is not required in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. For patients with severe liver impairment, a maximum dose of 20 mg Nexium should not be exceeded (see section 5.2).

Elderly

Dose adjustment is not required in the elderly.

Paediatric population

Adolescents from the age of 12 years

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

- treatment of erosive reflux esophagitis

40 mg once daily for 4 weeks

An additional 4 weeks treatment is recommended for patients in whom esophagitis has not healed or who have persistent symptoms.

- long-term management of patients with healed esophagitis to prevent relapse

20 mg once daily.

- symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

20 mg once daily in patients without esophagitis. If symptom control has not been achieved after 4 weeks, the patient should be further investigated. Once symptoms have resolved, subsequent symptom control can be achieved using 20 mg once daily.

Treatment of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori

When selecting appropriate combination therapy, consideration should be given to official national, regional and local guidance regarding bacterial resistance, duration of treatment (most commonly 7 days but sometimes up to 14 days), and appropriate use of antibacterial agents. The treatment should be supervised by a specialist.

The posology recommendation is:

Children below the age of 12 years

For posology in patients aged 1 to 11 reference is made to the Nexium sachet SmPC.

Method of administration

The tablets should be swallowed whole with liquid. The tablets should not be chewed or crushed. For patients who have difficulty in swallowing, the tablets can also be dispersed in half a glass of non-carbonated water. No other liquids should be used as the enteric coating may be dissolved. Stir until the tablets disintegrate and drink the liquid with the pellets immediately or within 30 minutes. Rinse the glass with half a glass of water and drink. The pellets must not be chewed or crushed.

For patients who cannot swallow, the tablets can be dispersed in non-carbonated water and administered through a gastric tube. It is important that the appropriateness of the selected syringe and tube is carefully tested. For preparation and administration instructions see section 6.6.

Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have

been reported in patients taking PPls, including esomeprazole. These events have occurred as both new onset and an exacerbation of existing autoimmune disease. The majority ofPPI-induced lupus erythematosus cases were CLE.

The most common form of CLE reported in patients treated with PPls was subacute CLE (SCLE) and occurred within weeks to years after continuous drug therapy in patients ranging from infants to the elderly. Generally, histological findings were observed without organ involvement.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is less commonly reported than CLE in patients receiving PPls.  PPI associated SLE is usually milder than non-drug induced  SLE. Onset of  SLE  typically  occurred  within  days  to  years  after  initiating  treatment primarily  in  patients  ranging  from  young  adults  to  the  elderly.  The  majority  of patients presented with rash; however, arthralgia and cytopenia were also reported.

Avoid  administration   of  PPis  for  longer  than  medically  indicated.  If  signs  or symptoms consistent with CLE or SLE are noted in patients receiving esomeprazole, discontinue the drug and refer the patient to the appropriate specialist for evaluation. Most  patients  improve  with  discontinuation  of  the  PPI  alone  in  4  to  12  weeks. Serological  testing  such  as antinuclear  antibody  (ANA)  test  may  be positive  and elevated  serological   test   results  may take  longer to  resolve   than clinical manifestations.

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   Esomeprazole   Gastro-resistant   Tablets.   SCLE  after   previous treatment with a proton pump inhibitor may increase the risk of SCLE  with other proton pump inhibitors.

Acute Interstitial Nephritis

Acute interstitial nephritis has been observed in patients taking PPis including esomeprazole. Acute interstitial  nephritis may occur at any point during PPI therapy and is generally attributed to an idiopathic hypersensitivity reaction. Discontinue esomeprazole if acute interstitial nephritis develops.

Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea

Published observational studies suggest that PPI therapy like esomeprazole  may be associated   with   an   increased   risk   of   Clostridium   dijjicile-associated    diarrhea, especially  in hospitalized  patients. This diagnosis should  be considered  for diarrhea that does not improve (see section 4.8).

Patients should use the lowest dose and shortest duration of PPI therapy appropriate to the condition being treated

In the presence of any alarm symptom (e.g. 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 Nexium may alleviate symptoms and delay diagnosis.

Patients on long-term treatment (particularly those treated for more than a year) should be kept under regular surveillance.

Patients on on-demand treatment should be instructed to contact their physician if their symptoms change in character. When prescribing esomeprazole for on demand therapy, the implications for interactions with other pharmaceuticals, due to fluctuating plasma concentrations of esomeprazole should be considered. See section 4.5.

When prescribing esomeprazole for eradication of Helicobacter pylori possible drug interations for all components in the triple therapy should be considered. Clarithromycin is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 and hence contraindications and interactions for clarithromycin should be considered when the triple therapy is used in patients concurrently taking other drugs metabolised via CYP3A4 such as cisapride.

This medicinal product contains sucrose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Treatment with proton pump inhibitors may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter (see section 5.1).

Co-administration of esomeprazole with atazanavir is not recommended (see section 4.5). If the combination of atazanavir with a proton pump inhibitor 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, as all acid-blocking medicines, may reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) due to hypo- or achlorhydria. This should be considered in patients with reduced body stores or risk factors for reduced vitamin B12 absorption on long-term therapy.

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

Severe hypomagnesaemia has been reported in patients treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like esomeprazole for at least three months, and in most cases for a year. Serious manifestations of hypomagnesaemia such as fatigue, tetany, delirium, convulsions, dizziness and ventricular arrhythmia can occur but they may begin insidiously and be overlooked. In most affected patients, hypomagnesaemia improved after magnesium replacement and discontinuation of the PPI.

For patients expected to be on prolonged treatment or who take PPIs with digoxin or drugs that may cause hypomagnesaemia (e.g. diuretics), healthcare professionals should consider measuring magnesium levels before starting PPI treatment and periodically during treatment.

Proton pump inhibitors, especially if used in high doses and over long durations (>1 year), may modestly increase the risk of hip, wrist and spine fracture, predominantly in the elderly or in presence of other recognised risk factors. Observational studies suggest that proton pump inhibitors may increase the overall risk of fracture by 10-40%. Some of this increase

may be due to other risk factors. Patients at risk of osteoporosis should receive care according to current clinical guidelines and they should have an adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium.

Interference with laboratory tests

Increased Chromogranin A(CgA) level may interfere with investigations for neuroendocrine tumours. To avoid this interference, esomeprazole treatment should be stopped for at least 5 days before CgA measurements (see section 5.1).

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Medicinal products with  pH dependent absorption

Co-administration   of  omeprazole   in  healthy  subjects   and  in  transplant   patients receiving mycophenolate  mofetil (MMF) has been reported to reduce the exposure to the active metabolite, mycophenolic acid (MPA), possibly due to a decrease in MMF solubility at an increased gastric PH.

The  clinical  relevance  of  reduced  MPA exposure  on  organ  rejection  has  not  been established  in  transplant  patients  receiving  esomeprazole  and  MMF.  Use esomeprazole  with caution in transplant patients receiving MMF.

Effects of esomeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of other drugs

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. As with other medicinal products that decrease intragastric acidity, the absorption of medicinal products such as ketoconazole, itraconazole and erlotinib can decrease 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 drug monitoring of digoxin should then be reinforced.

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 CYP 2C19. 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 qd) 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 qd without omeprazole 20 mg qd. Co-administration of omeprazole (40 mg qd) 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%. For saquinavir (with concomitant ritonavir), increased serum levels (80-100%) have been reported during concomitant omeprazole treatment (40 mg qd). Treatment with omeprazole

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

Drugs metabolised by CYP2C19

Esomeprazole inhibits CYP2C19, the major esomeprazole metabolising enzyme. Thus, when esomeprazole is combined with drugs metabolised by CYP2C19, such as diazepam, citalopram, imipramine, clomipramine, phenytoin etc., the plasma concentrations of these drugs may be increased and a dose reduction could be needed. This should be considered especially when prescribing esomeprazole for on demand therapy. Concomitant administration of 30 mg esomeprazole resulted in a 45% decrease in clearance of the

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

Concomitant administration of 40 mg esomeprazole to warfarin-treated patients in a clinical trial 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.

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.

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 (see also section 4.4).

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

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

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 p.o.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 aggression by an average of 14%.

When clopidogrel was given together with a fixed dose combination of esomeprazole 20 mg + ASA 81 mg compared to clopidogrel alone in a study in healthy subjects there was a

decreased exposure by almost 40% of the active metabolite of clopidogrel. However, the maximum levels of inhibition of (ADP induced) platelet aggregation in these subjects were the same in the clopidogrel and the clopidogrel + the combined (esomeprazole + ASA) product groups.

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

Unknown mechanism

Concomitant administration of esomeprazole has been reported to increase the serum levels of tacrolimus.

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.

Effects of other drugs on the pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole

Esomeprazole is metabolised by CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. Concomitant administration of

esomeprazole and a CYP3A4 inhibitor, clarithromycin (500 mg 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 AUCτ  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.

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

For Nexium, clinical data on exposed pregnancies are insufficient. With the racemic mixture, omeprazole, data on a larger number of exposed pregnancies from epidemiological studies indicate no malformative nor foetotoxic effect. Animal studies with esomeprazole do not

indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to embryonal/fetal development.

Animal studies with the racemic mixture do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, parturition or postnatal development. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women.

It is not known whether esomeprazole is excreted in human breast milk. No studies in lactating women have been performed. Therefore Nexium should not be used during breast- feeding.

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

Esomeprazole has minor influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Adverse reactions such as dizziness (uncommon) and blurred vision (rare) has been reported (see section 4.8). If affected, patients should not drive or use machines.

To report any side effect(s):

Saudi Arabia:

-    National Pharmacovigilance Center (NPC):

o  Fax: +966-11-205-7662

o  Call NPC at :

+966-11-2038222 Exts: 2317-2356-2353-2354-2334-2340

o  Toll free: 8002490000

o  E-mail: npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa

o  Website: www.sfda.gov.sa/npc

Other GCC states:

-    Please contact the relevant competent authority.

Summary of the safety profile

Headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea are among those adverse reactions that have been most commonly reported in clinical trials (and also from post‐marketing use). In addition, the safety profile is similar for different formulations, treatment indications, age groups and patient population.

The following adverse drug reactions have been identified or suspected in the clinical trials programme for esomeprazole and post-marketing. None was found to be dose-related. The reactions are classified according to frequency: very common > 1/10; common ≥1/100

to <1/10; uncommon ≥1/1000 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).

Blood and lymphatic system disorders Rare: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia Very rare: Agranulocytosis, pancytopenia

Immune system disorders

Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions e.g. fever, angioedema and anaphylactic reaction/shock

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Uncommon: Peripheral oedema

Rare: Hyponatraemia

Not known: Hypomagnesaemia (see section 4.4); severe hypomagnesaemia can correlate with hypocalcaemia, Hypomagnesaemia may also be associated with hypokalemia.

Psychiatric disorders

Uncommon: Insomnia

Rare: Agitation, confusion, depression

Very rare: Aggression, hallucinations

Nervous system disorders

Common: Headache

Uncommon: Dizziness, paraesthesia, somnolence

Rare: Taste disturbance

Eye disorders

Rare: Blurred vision

Ear and labyrinth disorders

Uncommon: Vertigo

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

  Rare: Bronchospasm

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence, nausea/vomiting, fundic gland polyps (benign).

Uncommon: Dry mouth

Rare: Stomatitis, gastrointestinal candidiasis

Not known: Microscopic colitis

Hepatobiliary disorders Uncommon: Increased liver enzymes Rare: Hepatitis with or without jaundice

Very rare: Hepatic failure, encephalopathy in patients with pre-existing liver disease

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Uncommon: Dermatitis, pruritus, rash, urticaria Rare: Alopecia, photosensitivity

Very rare: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis

(TEN)

Not known: Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Uncommon: Fracture of the hip, wrist or spine (see section 4.4)

Rare: Arthralgia, myalgia

Very rare: Muscular weakness

Renal and urinary disorders

Very rare: Interstitial nephritis; in some patients renal failure has been reported

concomitantly.

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Very rare: Gynaecomastia

General disorders and administration site conditions

Rare: Malaise, increased sweating

Post marketing expeience:

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval  use of esomeprazole. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain  size,  it  is  not  always  possible  to  reliably  estimate   their  frequency   or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Gastrointestinal disorders: pancreatitis.

Immune system disorders: systemic lupus erythematosus.

Infections and Infestations disorders: Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

There is very limited experience to date with deliberate overdose. The symptoms described in connection with 280 mg 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 dialyzable. As in any case of overdose, treatment should be symptomatic and general supportive measures should be utilised.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: proton pump inhibitor

ATC Code: A02B C05

Esomeprazole is the S-isomer of omeprazole and reduces gastric acid secretion through a specific targeted mechanism of action. It is a specific inhibitor of the acid pump in the parietal cell. Both the R- and S-isomer of omeprazole have similar pharmacodynamic activity.

Site and mechanism of action

Esomeprazole is a weak base and is concentrated and converted to the active form in the

highly acidic environment of the secretory canaliculi of the parietal cell, where it inhibits the enzyme H+K+-ATPase – the acid pump and inhibits both basal and stimulated acid secretion.

Effect on gastric acid secretion

After oral dosing with esomeprazole 20 mg and 40 mg the onset of effect occurs within one

hour. After repeated administration with 20 mg esomeprazole once daily for five days, mean peak acid output after pentagastrin stimulation is decreased 90% when measured 6-7 hours after dosing on day five.

After five days of oral dosing with 20 mg and 40 mg of esomeprazole, intragastric pH above 4 was maintained for a mean time of 13 hours and 17 hours, respectively over 24 hours in symptomatic GERD patients. The proportion of patients maintaining an intragastric pH above

4 for at least 8, 12 and 16 hours respectively were for esomeprazole 20 mg 76%, 54% and

24%. Corresponding proportions for esomeprazole 40 mg were 97%, 92% and 56%.

Using AUC as a surrogate parameter for plasma concentration, a relationship between inhibition of acid secretion and exposure has been shown.

Therapeutic effects of acid inhibition

Healing of reflux esophagitis with esomeprazole 40 mg occurs in approximately 78% of

patients after four weeks, and in 93% after eight weeks.

One week treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. and appropriate antibiotics, results in successful eradication of H. pylori in approximately 90% of patients.

After eradication treatment for one week there is no need for subsequent monotherapy with antisecretory drugs for effective ulcer healing and symptom resolution in uncomplicated duodenal ulcers.

In a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, patients with endoscopically confirmed peptic ulcer bleeding characterised as Forrest Ia, Ib, IIa or IIb (9%, 43%, 38% and

10 % respectively) were randomized to receive Nexium solution for infusion (n=375) or placebo (n=389).  Following endoscopic hemostasis, patients received either 80 mg esomeprazole as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes followed by a continuous infusion of 8 mg per hour or placebo for 72 hours.  After the initial 72 hour period, all patients received open-label 40 mg oral Nexium for 27 days for acid suppression  The occurrence of rebleeding within 3 days was 5.9% in the Nexium treated group compared to 10.3% for the placebo group. At 30 days post-treatment, the occurrence of rebleeding in the Nexium treated versus the placebo treated group 7.7% vs 13.6%.

Other effects related to acid inhibition

During treatment with antisecretory medicinal productsserum gastrin increases in response to

the decreased acid secretion. Also CgA increases due to decreased gastric acidity. The increased CgA level may interfere with investigations for neuroendocrine tumours. Literature reports indicate that proton pump inhibitor treatment should be stopped at least 5 days before

CgA measurement. If CgA and gastrine levels have not normalised after 5 days, measurements should be repeated 14 days after cessation of esomeprazole treatment.

An increased number of ECL cells possibly related to the increased serum gastrin levels, have been observed in both children and adults during long term treatment with esomeprazole. The findings are considered to be of no clinical significance.

During long-term treatment with antisecretory drugs gastric glandular cysts have been reported to occur at a somewhat increased frequency. These changes are a physiological consequence of pronounced inhibition of acid secretion, are benign and appear to be reversible.

Decreased gastric acidity due to any means including proton pump inhibitors, increases gastric counts of bacteria normally present in the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors may lead to slightly increased risk of gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter and, in hospitalised patients, possibly also Clostridium difficile.

In two studies with ranitidine as an active comparator, Nexium showed better effect in healing of gastric ulcers in patients using NSAIDs, including COX-2 selective NSAIDs.

In two studies with placebo as comparator, Nexium showed better effect in the prevention of gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients using NSAIDs (aged >60 and/or with previous ulcer), including COX-2 selective NSAIDs.

Paediatric population

In a study in paediatric GERD patients (<1 to 17 years of age) receiving long-term PPI

treatment, 61% of the children developed minor degrees of ECL cell hyperplasia with no known clinical significance and with no development of atrophic gastritis or carcinoid tumours.

Absorption and distribution

Esomeprazole is acid labile and is administered orally as enteric-coated granules. In vivo

conversion to the R-isomer is negligible. Absorption of esomeprazole is rapid, with peak plasma levels occurring approximately 1-2 hours after dose. The absolute bioavailability is

64% after a single dose of 40 mg and increases to 89% after repeated once-daily administration. For 20 mg esomeprazole the corresponding values are 50% and 68% respectively.The apparent volume of distribution at steady state in healthy subjects is approximately 0.22 l/kg body weight. Esomeprazole is 97% plasma protein bound.

Food intake both delays and decreases the absorption of esomeprazole although this has no significant influence on the effect of esomeprazole on intragastric acidity.

Metabolism and excretion

Esomeprazole is completely metabolised by the cytochrome P450 system (CYP). The major

part of the metabolism of esomeprazole is dependent on the polymorphic CYP2C19, responsible for the formation of the hydroxy- and desmethyl metabolites of esomeprazole.

The remaining part is dependent on another specific isoform, CYP3A4, responsible for the formation of esomeprazole sulphone, the main metabolite in plasma.

The parameters below reflect mainly the pharmacokinetics in individuals with a functional

CYP2C19 enzyme, extensive metabolisers.

Total plasma clearance is about 17 l/h after a single dose and about 9 l/h after repeated administration. The plasma elimination half-life is about 1.3 hours after repeated once-daily dosing. The pharmacokinetics of esomeprazole has been studied in doses up to 40 mg b.i.d. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve increases with repeated administration of esomeprazole. This increase is dose-dependent and results in a more than dose proportional increase in AUC  after repeated administration. This time - and dose-dependency is due to a decrease of first pass metabolism and systemic clearance probably caused by an inhibition of the CYP2C19 enzyme by esomeprazole and/or its sulphone metabolite. Esomeprazole is completely eliminated from plasma between doses with no tendency for accumulation during once-daily administration.

The major metabolites of esomeprazole have no effect on gastric acid secretion. Almost 80% of an oral dose of esomeprazole is excreted as metabolites in the urine, the remainder in the faeces. Less than 1% of the parent drug is found in urine.

Special patient populations

Approximately 2.9±1.5% of the population lack a functional CYP2C19 enzyme and are called poor metabolisers. In these individuals the metabolism of esomeprazole is probably mainly catalysed by CYP3A4. After repeated once-daily administration of 40 mg esomeprazole, the mean area under the plasma concentration-time curve was approximately 100% higher in poor metabolisers than in subjects having a functional CYP2C19 enzyme (extensive metabolisers). Mean peak plasma concentrations were increased by about 60%.

These findings have no implications for the posology of esomeprazole.

The metabolism of esomeprazole is not significantly changed in elderly subjects (71-80 years of age).

Following a single dose of 40 mg esomeprazole the mean are under the plasma concentration- time curve is approximately 30% higher in females than in males. No gender difference is

seen after repeated once-daily administration. These findings have no implications for the posology of esomeprazole.

Impaired organ function

The metabolism of esomeprazole in patients with mild to moderate liver dysfunction may be impaired. The metabolic rate is decreased in patients with severe liver dysfunction resulting in a doubling of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of esomeprazole. Therefore, a maximum of 20 mg should not be exceeded in patients with severe dysfunction. Esomeprazole or its major metabolites do not show any tendency to accumulate with once- daily dosing.

No studies have been performed in patients with decreased renal function. Since the kidney is responsible for the excretion of the metabolites of esomeprazole but not for the elimination of

the parent compound, the metabolism of esomeprazole is not expected to be changed in patients with impaired renal function.

Paediatric

Adolescents 12-18 years:

Following repeated dose administration of 20 mg and 40 mg esomeprazole, the total exposure

(AUC) and the time to reach maximum plasma drug concentration ( tmax) in 12 to18 year-olds was similar to that in adults for both esomeprazole doses.

Preclinical bridging studies reveal no particular hazard for humans based on conventional studies of repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity, and toxicity to reproduction. Carcinogenicity studies in the rat with the racemic mixture have shown gastric ECL-cell hyperplasia and carcinoids. These gastric effects in the rat are the result of sustained, pronounced hypergastrinaemia secondary to reduced production of gastric acid and are observed after long-term treatment in the rat with inhibitors of gastric acid secretion.

Glycerol monostearate 40-55,

hyprolose,

hypromellose,

iron oxide (20mg & 40mg tablets: reddish-brown; 20mg tablets:  yellow) (E 172),

magnesium stearate,

methacrylic acid ethylacrylate copolymer (I:I) dispersion 30 per cent,

cellulose microcrystalline,

synthetic paraffin,

macrogols,

polysorbate 80,

crospovidone,

sodium stearyl fumarate,

sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch),

talc,

titanium dioxide (E 171),

triethyl citrate.

Not applicable

Do not store above 30⁰C.

Keep the container tightly closed (bottle) in order to protect from moisture. Store in the original package (blister) in order to protect from moisture.

-    Aluminium blister package.

20 mg, 40 mg: Blister packs in carton of 14 and 28 tablets

Administration  through  gastric  tube

1.   Put the tablet into an appropriate syringe and

fill the syringe with approximately 25 ml water and approximately 5 ml air.

For some tubes, dispersion in 50 ml water is needed to prevent the pellets from clogging the tube.

2.   Immediately shake the syringe for approximately 2 minutes to disperse the tablet.

3.   Hold the syringe with the tip up and check that the tip has not clogged.

4.   Attach the syringe to the tube whilst maintaining the above position.

5.   Shake the syringe and position it with the tip pointing down. Immediately inject 5 – 10 ml into the tube. Invert the syringe after injection and shake (the syringe must be held with the tip pointing up to avoid clogging of the tip)

6.   Turn the syringe with the tip down and immediately inject another 5 – 10 ml into the tube. Repeat this procedure until the syringe is empty.

7.   Fill the syringe with 25 ml of water and 5 ml of air and repeat step 5 if necessary to wash down any sediment left in the syringe. For some tubes,

50 ml water is needed.