Available in capsules or powder
for oral suspension

How to use ZEGERID

For your convenience, ZEGERID (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) comes in two forms: 1) capsules; and 2) powder for oral suspension. Both capsules and powder for oral suspension come in 40 mg (milligrams) and 20 mg dosage strengths. Your doctor will inform you which dosage strength is best for you.

Each ZEGERID Capsule contains 1100 mg of sodium bicarbonate (equivalent to 304 mg of sodium). Each packet of ZEGERID (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) Powder for Oral Suspension contains 1680 mg of sodium bicarbonate (equivalent to 460 mg of sodium).

Here are some simple and helpful directions for using these two forms (capsules or powder). Take ZEGERID once a day, on an empty stomach, at least one hour before a meal.

ZEGERID Capsules

Place the capsule onto your tongue and swallow with a drink of water. Do not chew capsules.

Do not use liquids other than water to swallow ZEGERID.
Do not open the capsules or mix the contents with food.

ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension

The Powder for Oral Suspension form of ZEGERID comes in convenient individual packets of powder that you mix well with 1-2 tablespoons of water and drink immediately. Refill cup with water and drink.

Please review these directions on how to get the best results with ZEGERID Powder.

Do not use liquids other than water to swallow ZEGERID.
Do not mix powder with food.

Recommended dosing for ZEGERID

For heartburn resulting from acid reflux disease, the recommended dose is 20 mg once a day for up to 4 weeks.
For erosive esophagitis, the recommended dose is 20 mg once a day for up to 4-8 weeks.
To maintain the healing of erosive esophagitis, 20 mg once a day may be prescribed as a regular dose by your doctor.
For duodenal ulcers, the recommended dose is 20 mg once a day for 4 weeks.
For gastric ulcers, the recommended dose is 40 mg once a day for 4 weeks. Your doctor may prescribe an additional 4 weeks of medicine if needed.

Side effects

ZEGERID is generally well tolerated by the people who take it. The most common side effects among patients taking omeprazole (the active drug in ZEGERID) in clinical studies were headache, diarrhea and abdominal pain. ZEGERID is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any componenets of the formulation.

Sodium content

ZEGERID Capsules contain 304 mg of sodium per dose. ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension contains 460 mg of sodium per dose. These amounts are comparable to the amount of sodium in an ounce of corn flakes (350 mg). A single capsule is about 12% of and single dose of Powder for Oral Suspension is 19% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily intake of 2,400 mg. These amounts should be taken into consideration by anyone on a sodium-restricted diet.

ZEGERID Capsules and ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension have the same amount of sodium bicarbonate in both the 20 mg and 40 mg dosages. Two 20 mg doses are not equivalent to one 40 mg dose, and two 20 mg doses should not be used in place of one 40 mg dose. Sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated in patients with metabolic alkalosis and hypocalcemia.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers

There are no clinical studies of ZEGERID in pregnant women or nursing mothers. Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their physicians before using ZEGERID.

Next page: Diet Tips for Those with GERD/acid Reflux

Product Description
ZEGERID® contains omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and sodium bicarbonate, an antacid.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS TAKING ZEGERID

What is ZEGERID for?
ZEGERID is indicated for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux disease. ZEGERID is also used to treat and maintain the healing of erosive esophagitis, which may result from acid reflux. ZEGERID is also indicated for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcer and of active benign gastric ulcer.

Remember, only your doctor can diagnose you and tell you whether a prescription for ZEGERID is right for you.

Ask your doctor if ZEGERID is right for you
Only your doctor can tell if you have acid reflux disease. And only your doctor can prescribe a treatment for you. Take notes of your symptoms. What symptoms do you have? When do you have them? Then ask your doctor if ZEGERID is right for you.

How to take ZEGERID¹
ZEGERID comes in capsules or a powder for oral suspension that you mix with water. Both the capsule and the powder are immediate release, in 40 mg and 20 mg strengths.

ZEGERID should be taken once a day on an empty stomach. You should wait at least one hour after taking ZEGERID before having a meal.

Side effects¹
Side effects of ZEGERID include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Relief of your symptoms while on ZEGERID does not rule out that other serious stomach conditions may exist.

Sodium content¹
ZEGERID Capsules contain 304 mg of sodium. ZEGERID Powder for Oral Suspension contains 460 mg of sodium. These amounts are comparable to the amount of sodium in an ounce of corn flakes (350 mg). A single capsule is 13% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily intake of 2,300 mg of sodium. A single dose of powder for oral suspension is 20% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily intake of 2,300 mg of sodium. For people with heart failure, the American Heart Association's recommended sodium intake is no more than 2,000 mg per day. These amounts should be taken into consideration by anyone on a sodium restricted diet. People with metabolic alkalosis and hypocalcemia should not take ZEGERID.

ZEGERID should not be taken by anyone with a known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers¹
There are no clinical studies of ZEGERID in pregnant women or nursing mothers. Women who are pregnant or nursing should talk to their physicians before using ZEGERID.

Reference: 1. ZEGERID Prescribing Information. Santarus, Inc. January 2008.

To learn more about ZEGERID, see full prescribing information and talk with your doctor.

Please consult with your healthcare professional to see if ZEGERID is right for you. The content of this Web site is not a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted as treatment recommendations or relied on for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please see complete Legal Disclaimer.

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