Buy Vimovo Online from Canada | naproxen/esomeprazole

What is Vimovo?

Vimovo (naproxen/esomeprazole) is a prescription medication for adults and teenagers aged 12 and up, weighing at least 84 pounds (38 kg). It’s a mix of two drugs: naproxen and esomeprazole magnesium. Naproxen eases arthritis symptoms.

For teens, Vimovo helps with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), causing joint pain and stiffness. Esomeprazole magnesium in Vimovo lowers the risk of stomach ulcers, which are sores in the stomach lining causing pain and digestive issues, often from regular naproxen use.

Vimovo combines these meds effectively to relieve arthritis symptoms while protecting the stomach.

Vimovo is not intended for children under 12 or those under 84 pounds. Using naproxen and esomeprazole separately will offer different benefits than Vimovo.

How Does Vimovo Work?

Vimovo contains two drugs: esomeprazole magnesium and naproxen.

When you take Vimovo, esomeprazole reduces stomach acid and protects it from ulcers, while naproxen in the small intestine reduces pain, inflammation, and fever by blocking certain substances called prostaglandins.

Vimovo combines these to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation while protecting your stomach from ulcers.

Dosage Information and Usage

Dosage Form and Strengths of Vimovo

• 375 mg/20 mg tablets: Contains 375 mg of enteric-coated naproxen and 20 mg of immediate-release esomeprazole, marked with “375/20” in black.
• 500 mg/20 mg tablets: Contains 500 mg of enteric-coated naproxen and 20 mg of immediate-release esomeprazole, marked with “500/20” in black.

Usage

To use Vimovo effectively, begin with the lowest naproxen dose that works for you and use it for the shortest time needed.

Consider Vimovo’s benefits and risks versus other treatments before starting. If you need less than 40 mg of esomeprazole daily, opt for a different treatment.

Swallow Vimovo tablets whole with water, 30 minutes before meals. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose.

Skip the missed dose then. You can take antacids alongside Vimovo.

Storage Information

Store Vimovo at room temperature, around 25°C (77°F), but it’s okay if the temperature occasionally varies between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Keep Vimovo in its original container with the bottle tightly closed to protect it from moisture.

If you need to divide the medication into smaller packages, make sure to use a tightly sealed container.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Inflammation of the stomach lining
• Diarrhea

Serious but Rare Side Effects

• Liver problems, including liver failure
• New or worsening high blood pressure
• Heart failure
• Kidney problems, including kidney failure
• Life-threatening allergic reactions
• Asthma attacks in people who have asthma
• Low red blood cells (anemia)
• Masking symptoms of infections, such as swelling and fever
• Low vitamin B-12 levels (symptoms may include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness)
• Low magnesium levels (symptoms may include seizures, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness)
• Stomach growths (fundic gland polyps) after long-term use
• Severe skin reactions (may include rash, blistering, peeling, fever, body aches)

These side effects can vary in severity and should be promptly reported to a healthcare provider if experienced while taking Vimovo.

Warnings and Precautions

• Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including naproxen in Vimovo, can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. This risk may be higher with long-term use, high doses, or in patients with existing heart conditions or risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Ulceration, and Perforation: NSAIDs can cause serious gastrointestinal issues, such as bleeding, ulcers, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These problems might occur suddenly without any warning signs. The risk increases with higher doses, longer use, older age, a history of peptic ulcers or GI bleeding, alcohol use, and the use of corticosteroids or anticoagulants. Healthcare providers should prescribe NSAIDs, like naproxen in Vimovo, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest necessary duration.
• Hepatotoxicity: Rare but severe liver injuries, including jaundice and fatal hepatitis, have been reported with NSAID use, such as naproxen in Vimovo. Patients may show signs of liver issues like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Healthcare providers should regularly monitor liver function tests during NSAID therapy. If symptoms of liver disease appear, Vimovo should be stopped immediately.
• Hypertension: NSAIDs, like the naproxen in Vimovo, can cause new or worsening hypertension. This happens because of sodium and water retention, which can raise blood pressure and lead to cardiovascular issues. Blood pressure should be monitored closely when starting and continuing NSAID therapy, especially in patients with existing hypertension or heart failure.
• Heart Failure and Edema: Using NSAIDs can worsen heart failure symptoms and cause fluid retention, potentially harming heart function and increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues. Patients with severe heart failure should avoid NSAIDs unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Healthcare providers should watch for signs of worsening heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling, and increased neck vein pressure.
• Renal Toxicity and Hyperkalemia: NSAIDs, like naproxen in Vimovo, can cause kidney issues from temporary dysfunction to acute failure. Kidney toxicity is more likely in patients with existing kidney problems, dehydration, use of nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics), and older age. Healthcare providers should check kidney function before starting NSAIDs and regularly afterwards.
• Anaphylactic Reactions: Anaphylactic reactions, including in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma, have been reported with NSAIDs, including naproxen in Vimovo. Symptoms may include facial swelling, bronchospasm, hypotension, and anaphylactic shock. Patients with a history of aspirin sensitivity or asthma should avoid NSAIDs, and Vimovo should be discontinued immediately if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
• Exacerbation of Asthma Related to Aspirin Sensitivity: Vimovo should not be used in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma due to the risk of severe bronchospasm. These patients may have sudden worsening of asthma symptoms when exposed to NSAIDs. Healthcare providers should check for aspirin sensitivity in patients with asthma before prescribing NSAIDs.
• Serious Skin Reactions: NSAIDs, like the naproxen in Vimovo, can cause serious skin issues such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). These are potentially life-threatening and need immediate medical attention. Patients should stop taking Vimovo at the first sign of a skin rash or any signs of an allergic reaction, including mouth sores or blisters.
• Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): DRESS syndrome, which includes symptoms like fever, rash, and multi-organ involvement, has been linked to NSAID and PPI use, including Vimovo. This rare but serious hypersensitivity reaction can lead to organ failure and death.
• Fetal Toxicity: NSAIDs, including naproxen in Vimovo, may cause fetal harm when used during the third trimester of pregnancy. Prolonged use of NSAIDs can lead to premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus, resulting in fetal pulmonary hypertension and neonatal renal impairment.
• Hematologic Toxicity: NSAIDs, like naproxen in Vimovo, can cause anemia, thrombocytopenia, and increased bleeding time due to their impact on platelets and the stomach lining. Patients with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants should be closely monitored for bleeding signs. Regular checks of hemoglobin or hematocrit are advised during long-term NSAID use.
• Masking of Inflammation and Fever: Vimovo’s anti-inflammatory effects can hide signs of infection like fever and localized pain. Patients on NSAIDs should be watched for infection symptoms, especially if they have chronic conditions or weakened immune systems.
• Laboratory Monitoring: Healthcare providers should consider periodic monitoring of complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry profiles in patients receiving long-term NSAID therapy. This monitoring helps detect potential adverse effects such as GI bleeding, hepatotoxicity, and renal impairment early in the course of treatment.
• Active Bleeding: Vimovo should be discontinued in patients with active and clinically significant bleeding from any source. NSAIDs can interfere with platelet function and coagulation pathways, potentially exacerbating bleeding events.
• Concurrent NSAID Use: Concurrent use of multiple NSAIDs or naproxen-containing products should be avoided due to the increased risk of adverse reactions, including GI bleeding and renal impairment. If combination therapy is necessary, healthcare providers should monitor patients closely for adverse effects and consider alternative treatment options.
• Presence of Gastric Malignancy: Response to Vimovo therapy does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy, including gastric adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Patients with persistent or recurrent gastric symptoms should undergo additional diagnostic evaluations, such as endoscopy, to rule out malignancy.
• Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), characterized by fever, rash, eosinophilia, and renal dysfunction, has been observed with PPI use, including esomeprazole in Vimovo. If TIN is suspected, Vimovo should be discontinued, and patients should undergo further evaluation and appropriate management.
• Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea: PPI therapy, such as esomeprazole in Vimovo, may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, especially in hospitalized patients receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Bone Fracture: Long-term use of PPIs, including esomeprazole in Vimovo, may be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, particularly in elderly patients or those with risk factors for osteoporosis.
• Cutaneous and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: PPIs have been associated with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) exacerbations. If signs and symptoms consistent with CLE or SLE develop, Vimovo should be discontinued, and patients should undergo appropriate evaluation and treatment.
• Interaction with Clopidogrel: Using Vimovo and clopidogrel together may reduce clopidogrel’s antiplatelet effect, potentially raising the risk of cardiovascular events.
• Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) Deficiency: Long-term use of PPIs, such as esomeprazole in Vimovo, may lead to cyanocobalamin deficiency due to impaired gastric acid secretion and malabsorption of vitamin B-12. Patients should be monitored for clinical symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency, such as anemia, neuropathy, and cognitive changes, especially during prolonged therapy with Vimovo.
• Hypomagnesemia and Mineral Metabolism: PPI therapy, including esomeprazole in Vimovo, may cause hypomagnesemia due to impaired intestinal magnesium absorption. Hypomagnesemia can lead to serious adverse events, including cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.
• Concurrent Use of St. John’s Wort or Rifampin with Vimovo: Concomitant use of Vimovo with inducers of CYP2C19, such as St. John’s Wort or rifampin, may decrease esomeprazole concentrations and reduce its therapeutic effect.
• Interactions with Diagnostic Investigations for Neuroendocrine Tumors: PPIs, including esomeprazole in Vimovo, may interfere with diagnostic tests for neuroendocrine tumors, such as serum chromogranin A levels.
• Concomitant Use of Vimovo with Methotrexate: Using PPIs like esomeprazole found in Vimovo together with methotrexate may raise and extend methotrexate levels in the blood, increasing the risk of toxicity. Healthcare providers should monitor patients taking both methotrexate and Vimovo for signs of toxicity, such as bone marrow suppression and kidney issues.
• Fundic Gland Polyps: Long-term use of PPIs, like esomeprazole in Vimovo, may raise the risk of benign gastric tumors called fundic gland polyps. To reduce this risk, patients should take the lowest effective dose of Vimovo for the shortest time needed for their condition.

Overdosage of Vimovo

There is no clinical data available specifically for an overdose of Vimovo.

However, taking too much naproxen, a component of Vimovo, can cause symptoms like drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

Serious complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, kidney issues, and even coma are rare but possible.

Some patients have experienced seizures, although it’s unclear if the drug directly caused them.

For esomeprazole, another component of Vimovo, overdose symptoms can include reduced activity, tremors, and convulsions.

Managing an overdose involves supportive care and symptomatic treatment, as there are no specific antidotes.

Drug Interactions With Other Medications

• Naproxen and Anticoagulants: When naproxen is taken with anticoagulants like warfarin, it can increase the risk of bleeding. This combination should be monitored closely to prevent serious bleeding complications.
• Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs/SNRIs) with Naproxen: Combining naproxen with SSRIs or SNRIs, which are often used for depression and anxiety, can further increase the risk of bleeding due to their effects on serotonin in the blood.
• Esomeprazole and Warfarin: Esomeprazole, when used with warfarin, can prolong blood clotting times, potentially leading to abnormal bleeding. Monitoring of INR levels is crucial to manage this risk effectively.
• Esomeprazole and Clopidogrel: Esomeprazole can reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel, a drug used to prevent blood clots. This combination should generally be avoided or alternative therapies considered.
• Naproxen and Aspirin: Naproxen can interfere with the antiplatelet effects of low-dose aspirin, which is commonly used for heart protection. Patients using both should be monitored for reduced aspirin effectiveness.
• NSAIDs and ACE Inhibitors/ARBs/Beta-Blockers: NSAIDs like naproxen can lessen the blood pressure-lowering effects of medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or beta-blockers, particularly in elderly or kidney-impaired patients.
• NSAIDs and Diuretics: NSAIDs can diminish the effectiveness of diuretics like furosemide, used to reduce fluid buildup in the body. Monitoring renal function and diuretic response is essential.
• Esomeprazole and Antiretrovirals: Esomeprazole can affect the levels of certain antiretroviral drugs, potentially reducing their effectiveness or increasing their toxicity. Specific dosing adjustments may be necessary.
• Esomeprazole and Cilostazol: Esomeprazole can increase levels of cilostazol, a drug used for improving circulation, which may require dosage adjustments to avoid adverse effects.
• Naproxen and Digoxin: Naproxen can increase levels of digoxin, a medication for heart conditions, necessitating careful monitoring and possible dose adjustments.
• NSAIDs and Lithium: NSAIDs can elevate blood levels of lithium, used to treat mood disorders, potentially leading to lithium toxicity. Regular monitoring is crucial during concurrent use.
• Methotrexate with Naproxen/Esomeprazole: NSAIDs like naproxen and esomeprazole can increase the risk of methotrexate toxicity, requiring close monitoring of methotrexate levels and potential dose adjustments.
• Naproxen and Cyclosporine/Tacrolimus: Naproxen can enhance kidney toxicity when used with cyclosporine or tacrolimus, medications used to prevent organ rejection. Renal function should be closely monitored.
• Pemetrexed with Vimovo: Concurrent use of pemetrexed, a chemotherapy drug, with Vimovo, can increase the risk of myelosuppression and kidney toxicity, necessitating careful monitoring.
• Drugs Dependent on Gastric pH for Absorption: Esomeprazole can reduce the absorption of medications that require acidic stomach conditions for optimal absorption, such as certain antibiotics and antifungals.
• Investigations of Neuroendocrine Tumors: Esomeprazole can elevate serum chromogranin A levels, potentially leading to false positive results in tests for neuroendocrine tumors. Temporary discontinuation of Vimovo may be needed before such tests.
• Diazepam with Vimovo: Esomeprazole can increase exposure to diazepam, a medication used for anxiety and seizures, possibly requiring dosage adjustments to prevent excessive sedation.

Alternative Medications

Here are some of the alternative medications to Vimovo:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Voltaren (diclofenac)
• Mobic (meloxicam)
• Celecoxib (celebrex)

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

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