AstraZeneca’s Nexium reduces adverse affects of painkillers

Results from two published clinical trials suggest that symptoms produced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as moderate to severe pain, burning and discomfort in the upper abdomen, can be reduced by the use of AstraZeneca’s acid reflux treatment Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium).

In the trials, Nexium 20mg and 40mg significantly improved upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients taking NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors. Using a seven-point patient-assessed scale of pain severity, the affect of Nexium administration was compared to placebo. The subjective measurement revealed highly significant results for both NSADs users and those taking COX-2 inhibitors for pain reduction.

“People who use NSAIDs regularly are at a high risk for upper GI disturbances including dyspepsia, abdominal pain, and heartburn. Although reducing the NSAID dosage or discontinuing therapy might ease GI symptoms, these alterations often are not an option for many patients because of the chronic nature of their underlying condition,” said James Scheiman, from the University of Michigan. Adding: “These two trials demonstrate that Nexium was effective in reducing upper GI symptoms of patients on chronic NSAID therapy.”

Nexium improved symptoms in as early as the second day of treatment and provided significantly faster symptom relief compared with placebo. In addition, over the four-week treatment period, the proportion of symptom-free days was significantly higher for patients treated with Nexium versus placebo in both trials.