Q. My doctor prescribed Nexium to alleviate stomach symptoms. Shortly after starting this drug, I began having back pain and aching joints. I have gained 10 pounds even though I am not eating any more food. I feel so weary every day I can hardly continue my usual routine.
I have consulted a rheumatologist who had nothing to suggest but a pain reliever to mask the aches. Could these problems be traced to the Nexium? What else can I do to ease my heartburn symptoms?
A. According to the prescribing information, drugs such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix may infrequently cause back pain and fatigue as well as muscle and joint pain. Occasionally, people have experienced unexplained weight gain just as you did.
Please talk to your doctor about these problems so that you can find a different approach for your stomach trouble.
We discuss many natural ways to control heartburn in our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick and Handy Home Remedies.
