Nexum Capsule 20mg and 40mg (Esomeprazole)
Getz Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd.DRAP reg. 033890
Prescription required
Getz Pharma’s Pakistani leaflet says Nexum is to be sold on prescription only, so we dispense it on prescription.
Same day or next day in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi for orders confirmed before 6pm. Tracked courier, 2 to 4 working days everywhere else. Delivery Rs 250 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Rs 300 everywhere else, cash on delivery. Delivery details
Prices in PKR, checked 23 October 2026.
What Nexum is
Nexum (esomeprazole) capsules lower stomach acid and are used for acid reflux disease (GERD), including healing erosive oesophagitis and keeping it healed, for lowering the risk of stomach ulcers caused by NSAID painkillers, with antibiotics to clear H. pylori, and for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, according to Getz Pharma’s Pakistani leaflet for Nexum capsules. The leaflet says it is to be sold on prescription only, so we dispense it on prescription.
- Nexum 20mg is DRAP reg. 033890 (DRAP registry entry); the 40mg capsule is DRAP reg. 033891. DRAP records both as capsules, not tablets.
- Made by Getz Pharma in Karachi: Getz’s own product page lists Nexum as esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate, available as capsules of 20mg and 40mg.
- Nexum is not Nexium. Nexium is AstraZeneca’s esomeprazole brand in the UK and US; Nexum is Getz Pharma’s, made in Pakistan. See “Nexum or Nexium” below.
- See a doctor rather than self-treating if you have unexplained weight loss, repeated vomiting, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood or black stools: the UK label says esomeprazole can ease the symptoms of stomach cancer and delay its diagnosis.
- DRAP notifies no price for Nexum: its registry lists the capsules as priced “As per SRO” with no figure, and the price index has no entry.
What is in each capsule
One active ingredient, esomeprazole, as enteric-coated pellets of esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate inside a capsule, from the label claims in DRAP’s registry.
| Capsule | Ingredient | Amount per capsule |
|---|---|---|
| Nexum 20mg (DRAP reg. 033890) | Ingredient: Esomeprazole (as magnesium trihydrate, enteric-coated pellets) | Amount per capsule: 20 mg |
| Nexum 40mg (DRAP reg. 033891) | Ingredient: Esomeprazole (as magnesium trihydrate, enteric-coated pellets) | Amount per capsule: 40 mg |
Nexum or Nexium: are they the same?
They contain the same medicine, esomeprazole, but they are different brands from different companies.
| Nexum | Nexium | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Nexum: Getz Pharma, Karachi | Nexium: AstraZeneca (prescription Nexium in the UK and US) |
| Form | Nexum: Capsule of enteric-coated pellets | Nexium: UK prescription Nexium: gastro-resistant tablet. US NEXIUM: delayed-release capsule. |
| Prescription | Nexum: Getz’s Pakistani leaflet: to be sold on prescription only. | Nexium: Prescription-only in the UK and US; a 20 mg Nexium Control capsule is sold in UK shops without a prescription for adults’ reflux symptoms, for up to 2 weeks. |
We found no Nexium registration in DRAP’s registry or price index when we searched on 23 October 2026, so the esomeprazole capsules we sell are Nexum.
What it is used for
Acid-related conditions of the food pipe, stomach and duodenum. The Pakistani leaflet and the US label list the same four groups of uses; the UK labels add healing NSAID ulcers (20 mg) and, after treatment in a vein, preventing an ulcer from bleeding again (40 mg).
| Label | Uses |
|---|---|
| Pakistan, Getz (Nexum) | Acid reflux disease (GERD): healing erosive oesophagitis, keeping it healed, and reflux symptoms; lowering the risk of stomach ulcers caused by NSAID painkillers; clearing H. pylori with amoxicillin and clarithromycin to lower the risk of a duodenal ulcer coming back; and conditions of excess acid, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. |
| UK, Nexium 20 mg tablets | In adults: reflux oesophagitis, keeping healed oesophagitis from relapsing, and reflux symptoms; with antibiotics, healing and preventing H. pylori ulcers; healing and preventing ulcers in people who need NSAID painkillers; and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. From 12 years: reflux disease, and H. pylori duodenal ulcer with antibiotics. |
| US, NEXIUM capsules | Healing erosive oesophagitis and reflux symptoms, in adults and from 12 years; keeping oesophagitis healed in adults; lowering the risk of NSAID stomach ulcers in adults aged 60 or over or with a history of stomach ulcers; H. pylori with antibiotics; and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. |
How to take it
Swallow the capsule whole, at least one hour before a meal, according to Getz Pharma’s Pakistani leaflet for Nexum capsules.
- The dose and the length of the course depend on the condition being treated, so the choice belongs to your prescriber. Take it as they direct.
- How long: the Pakistani leaflet gives 4 to 8 weeks for healing erosive oesophagitis, and 4 weeks for reflux symptoms, with a further 4 weeks to be considered if symptoms do not go completely.
- Opening the capsule: the Pakistani leaflet says to swallow it whole and gives no instructions for opening it. The US label for NEXIUM capsules (AstraZeneca) allows opening it and sprinkling the pellets on a spoonful of applesauce, swallowed straight away without chewing. Ask our pharmacist before doing this.
- The US label says antacids may be taken with it.
- Missed dose: the US label says take it as soon as possible, but if the next dose is nearly due, skip the missed one; do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Long-term use: what to watch
The Pakistani leaflet says to use the lowest dose and shortest course that suits the condition, and the UK label says people on it for more than a year should be kept under regular review.
- Broken bones: the Pakistani leaflet says proton pump inhibitors may be linked with a higher risk of fractures of the hip, wrist or spine.
- Low magnesium: the Pakistani leaflet says magnesium levels should be checked before and during long treatment, or when it is taken with digoxin or with medicines such as diuretics that can lower magnesium; the US label says severe cases can cause muscle spasms (tetany), an irregular heartbeat and fits.
- Vitamin B12: the UK label says esomeprazole may reduce vitamin B12 absorption, to be considered in long-term use in people at risk of low B12; the US label gives the example of more than 3 years.
- Gut infections: the Pakistani leaflet says proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk of C. difficile diarrhoea, especially in hospital; the US label says to consider it if diarrhoea does not improve.
- Lupus-like skin rash: the UK label says to seek medical help promptly for skin lesions, especially on sun-exposed skin with joint pain.
- Stomach polyps: the US label says the risk of benign fundic gland polyps rises with long use, especially beyond one year.
Who should not take it, or should ask a doctor first
From Getz Pharma’s Pakistani leaflet for Nexum capsules unless another label is named.
- Must not take it: anyone allergic to esomeprazole, to other proton pump inhibitors or related medicines (substituted benzimidazoles), or to any ingredient.
- Must not take it with nelfinavir (an HIV medicine). The US label also rules out rilpivirine-containing HIV medicines.
- Severe liver disease: the leaflet sets a lower daily limit, so take it only as a doctor directs.
- Children under 12: the leaflet gives doses only for ages 12 to 17, and the UK label for the tablets starts at 12 years.
- Blood tests for chromogranin A (a tumour marker): the leaflet says esomeprazole can raise the result; the UK label says stop it at least 5 days before the test, and the US label says at least 14 days.
Other medicines
Clopidogrel is the interaction to know: the three labels word it differently, so all three are shown.
| Medicine | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Clopidogrel (a blood thinner after a heart attack or stent) | What the source says: Pakistan: avoid taking them together. UK: an interaction is seen, its clinical relevance is uncertain, and as a precaution using them together should be discouraged. US: avoid using them together and consider another antiplatelet medicine, because esomeprazole reduces clopidogrel’s effect. | Source: Pakistan; UK, 4.4–4.5; US, 5.7 |
| Atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir (HIV) | What the source says: Atazanavir levels fall substantially, risking loss of effect and resistance; nelfinavir must not be used with it; saquinavir levels may rise. | Source: Pakistan |
| Warfarin | What the source says: INR and prothrombin time may rise, which can lead to abnormal bleeding; monitor them. The Pakistani capsule leaflet does not mention warfarin. | Source: US, section 7; UK, 4.5 |
| Methotrexate | What the source says: Methotrexate levels may rise and stay high. | Source: Pakistan |
| St John’s wort, rifampicin | What the source says: Avoid taking them together. | Source: Pakistan |
| Diazepam, citalopram, imipramine, clomipramine, phenytoin | What the source says: Their levels may rise, and a lower dose may be needed. | Source: Pakistan |
| Ketoconazole, itraconazole (antifungals) | What the source says: Their absorption can fall. | Source: Pakistan |
| Tacrolimus | What the source says: Tacrolimus levels may rise. | Source: Pakistan |
| Cilostazol, digoxin | What the source says: Omeprazole raised cilostazol levels in a study; digoxin absorption can increase. | Source: UK, 4.5 |
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The Pakistani and UK labels advise caution in pregnancy, and the US label reports no higher risk of major malformations with omeprazole; on breastfeeding they disagree: the UK label says not to use it, the Pakistani and US labels say to weigh it up.
| Who | What the labels say |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Pakistan: use only if clearly needed. UK: caution when prescribing; data from 300 to 1,000 pregnancies show no malformations or harm to the baby. US: studies of omeprazole in the first trimester did not show a higher risk of major malformations. |
| Breastfeeding | Pakistan: it is not known whether it passes into milk; decide with your doctor whether to stop breastfeeding or the medicine. UK: it should not be used during breastfeeding. US: weigh breastfeeding’s benefits against the mother’s need for it. |
Side effects
The common ones are stomach and bowel upsets and headache, according to Getz Pharma’s Pakistani leaflet for Nexum capsules.
| Source | Side effects |
|---|---|
| Pakistan, common | Headache, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, wind, nausea and vomiting. |
| Pakistan, uncommon | Swollen ankles, sleep problems, dizziness, tingling, sleepiness, vertigo, dry mouth, raised liver enzymes, rash, itching, hives, and fractures of the hip, wrist or spine. |
| Serious (UK and US) | Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, DRESS); kidney inflammation (interstitial nephritis); severe allergic reactions. The US label says stop at the first signs of a severe skin reaction. |
Driving: the UK label says it has a minor effect, and if dizziness or blurred vision occurs, don’t drive or use machines.
Nexum IV injection
Nexum is also registered as a 40 mg injection or infusion given into a vein (DRAP registry entry). Getz’s leaflet for the injection says it is for use when the medicine can’t be taken by mouth.
We don’t sell the injection online: it is given in a clinic or hospital.
Checking your pack is genuine
DRAP has named one spurious batch of Nexum 40mg, C02085, and none of the 20mg. If your batch number is C02085, do not take the capsules.
- Check that the batch number on the carton matches the batch number on the blister inside, and that the pack is sealed.
- The genuine carton says Nexum, esomeprazole, 14 capsules, and Getz Pharma. If a pack looks different from your last one, ask our pharmacist before taking it.
- If anything looks wrong, do not take it. Send us a photo of the carton and blister on WhatsApp, and report it to DRAP.
DRAP Rapid Alert No. I/S/09-25-59, 10 September 2025: Nexum 40mg capsules, batch C02085, purported to be made by Getz Pharma, declared spurious by the Drug Testing Laboratory Rawalpindi. DRAP’s alert says the packaging of the products it lists falsely claims a licensed company made them, and its risk statement for all of them says laboratory testing found low or no active ingredient; it gives no result specific to this batch.
We buy only from authorised distributors, and check the batch and expiry on every item before it is packed.
Information as of 23 October 2026. DRAP publishes new alerts on dra.gov.pk.
Returns and replacements
Medicines and supplements can’t be returned once they have left our pharmacy.
- Returned medicine can never go back into saleable stock. That is a safety rule, not a commercial one.
- If an item arrives damaged or wrong, tell us on WhatsApp within 24 hours and we replace it. That is us fixing our mistake, not a return.
- Anything that arrives expired or within a month of expiry we replace or refund, your choice, with no time limit.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nexum capsule used for?
Nexum contains esomeprazole, which lowers stomach acid. Getz Pharma’s Pakistani leaflet lists acid reflux disease (GERD) including erosive oesophagitis, lowering the risk of stomach ulcers from NSAID painkillers, clearing H. pylori with antibiotics, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is sold on prescription in Pakistan.
What is Nexum 40 mg used for?
The Pakistani leaflet lists the same uses for both strengths; for some conditions it gives either 20 mg or 40 mg, and for others one of them. Which strength suits you is your prescriber’s decision.
When should I take Nexum Capsule?
Getz Pharma’s Pakistani leaflet says swallow it whole, at least one hour before a meal. The US label for esomeprazole capsules says the same.
Can I take Esomeprazole before bed?
The Pakistani leaflet doesn’t give a time of day: it says take it at least one hour before a meal. If your doctor has told you when to take it, follow that.
How long does Nexum take to work?
The Pakistani leaflet gives 4 weeks for reflux symptoms, with a further 4 weeks to be considered if they do not go completely, and 4 to 8 weeks for healing erosive oesophagitis.
Can I take Nexum with other medicines?
Some interact. The Pakistani leaflet says avoid it with clopidogrel, St John’s wort and rifampicin, and must not be taken with nelfinavir; it also lists atazanavir, methotrexate, tacrolimus and some antifungals and antidepressants. Tell your doctor and pharmacist everything you take.
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Questions about Nexum Capsule 20mg and 40mg (Esomeprazole)?
Send your question on WhatsApp and a pharmacist will come back to you.
Written by the ePharmacyy pharmacy team.
Last checked against the sources below on
DRAP registration
- Nexum Capsule 20mg (033890), Getz Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. DRAP’s registry shows: Provisionally Active, “Partially Verified”.
- Nexum Capsule 40mg (033891), Getz Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. DRAP’s registry shows: Provisionally Active, “Approved / Verified”.
- Nexum IV Infusion/Injection 40mg (050651), Getz Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. DRAP’s registry shows: Provisionally Active, “Not Verified”.
DRAP publishes no definition of this verification flag, so we can’t tell you what it means. We searched DRAP’s website for “Nexum”, “esomeprazole”, “Nexium” and “Getz” on 23 October 2026 and found one alert naming a spurious batch of Nexum 40 mg (under “Checking your pack is genuine”); the other esomeprazole results were alerts on different brands. When we tested it, the search did not find a word that appears only inside an alert’s attached PDF, so an alert that names a product only in its PDF may not show up. DRAP describes its registered products index as a provisional list that “cannot be used as a reference for any purpose”. Checked against the registry on .
Sources
- DRAP registered products: Nexum Capsule 20mg, registration 033890
- DRAP registered products: Nexum Capsule 40mg, registration 033891
- DRAP registered products: Nexum IV Infusion/Injection 40mg, registration 050651
- DRAP notified price index (no entry for Nexum or esomeprazole)
- Getz Pharma: Nexum product page
- Getz Pharma: Nexum capsules 20mg, 40mg, Pakistani package insert (L-200007968)
- Getz Pharma: Nexum IV 40mg, Pakistani package insert
- emc (UK): Nexium 20 mg gastro-resistant tablets, AstraZeneca UK, summary of product characteristics (revised 1 December 2023)
- emc (UK): Nexium 40 mg gastro-resistant tablets, AstraZeneca UK, summary of product characteristics (revised 1 December 2023)
- emc (UK): Nexium Control 20 mg gastro-resistant capsules, Haleon, summary of product characteristics
- DailyMed (US): NEXIUM (esomeprazole magnesium) delayed-release capsules, AstraZeneca, prescribing information
- DRAP Rapid Alert No. I/S/09-25-59: spurious / falsified products declared by provincial laboratories (10 September 2025)