Nexium Consumer Launch Press Release
A WELCOME RELIEF FOR HEARTBURN SUFFERERS AS NEW SELF-SELECTION
TREATMENT PROVIDES 24-HOUR PROTECTION1
[insert date]: Pfizer is pleased to announce the launch of an
exciting new OTC heartburn medication, now available to buy off
the shelf in pharmacies and supermarkets. Nexium Control®
(esomeprazole) offers 24-hour protection against the symptoms of
frequent heartburn (occurring twice a week or more) with just one
tablet a day.1
The new licence for Nexium Control® gives frequent sufferers access to a well-established shortterm treatment previously only available via prescription. Esomeprazole has been prescribed to
millions of patients for over a decade and Nexium is the number one acid blocker brand worldwide.3
Nexium Control®, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), targets heartburn at the source by blocking acid
production in the stomach. It gives continuous 24-hour protection with just one tablet a day1 and
can provide the sustained relief that some frequent sufferers need and want to keep their symptoms
under control. In contrast, the current mainstay of OTC heartburn treatment – antacids and
alginates - provide relief for approximately up to two hours and four hours respectively, and as a
result, multiple daily doses are often required to manage symptoms.
Heartburn affects 1 in 3 UK adults2 and can have a significant impact on people’s quality of life - from
limiting a person’s food and drink choices through to sleep disruption, anxiety from frequent
heartburn pain and a general feeling of being unwell.2
Taking one Nexium Control® per day, 8 out of ten frequent heartburn sufferers saw a meaningful
improvement in their symptoms within one week.1 This will come as welcome news to the UK,
where 1 in 6 adults experience frequent heartburn (8.2 million people).2
Helen Boardman, a pharmacist and lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Nottingham University, said:
“Frequent heartburn sufferers experience symptoms twice a week or more, which can not only
affect their day to day quality of life but also leave them feeling like they have no control over their
heartburn; finding a way to manage their symptoms can make a real difference.
“Increasing the availability of medicines allows individuals to have access to a broader range of
treatment options and means that pharmacists can provide more tailored advice that best suits the
individual needs of sufferers. Furthermore, greater accessibility of medicines like PPIs, helps to
Cont.
Date of preparation: 16 February 2015
Nexium Consumer Launch Press Release
reduce pressure on the NHS by allowing people to safely and effectively self-manage common
conditions when appropriate”.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and medical broadcaster, says: “Most frequent heartburn sufferers should feel
confident that there are ways that they can manage their symptoms without visiting their
doctor. PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are an effective short-term treatment for people to help keep
their heartburn under control and help maintain a good quality of life. As with any medicine, it is
important that people follow the advice given on their treatment and visit their healthcare provider
if symptoms persist.”
Nexium Control® can be taken once daily to provide 24-hour heartburn relief for up to 14
consecutive days, after which people are instructed to consult a doctor if no symptom relief is
obtained. There are clear instructions in the leaflet and on the packaging to help people know when
they should seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Nexium Control® gets to work in 1 hour and some people experience protection from heartburn the
same day or by the evening. Full effect may take 2-3 days.
Nexium Control® is available in packs of 7’s and 14’s at a RRP of £6.99 and £11.99 respectively. It will
be available in supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide. If symptoms persist or worsen after 14days treatment, people should see a GP for further advice.
Nexium Control® 20mg gastro-resistant tablets for the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms
(e.g. heartburn and acid regurgitation) in adults. Active ingredient: Esomeprazole. Always read the
leaflet.
ENDS
Press enquiries:
Email:
Issued by:
On behalf of:
Notes to editors:
Luke Hopkins (01273 712023) or Laura Cook (01273 712064)
lhopkins@thisispegasus.co.uk or lcook@thisispegasus.co.uk
Pegasus
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare
When to see a doctor with frequent heartburn
In accordance with the latest advice from Public Health England, people should see their doctor if they have suffered the
symptoms of heartburn most days for 3 weeks or more. Those taking Nexium Control® should see a doctor if symptoms
worsen or do not improve after taking the medication for 14 days in a row. In addition those who experience unintentional
weight loss, long-term or bloody vomiting, or tarry stools, those who regularly take painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs
and those with a history of gastric or duodenal ulcers, or renal or hepatic impairment should see their doctor.
People are also advised to visit a pharmacist or GP if:
-
Cont.
They are taking any medications listed in the Nexium Control® package leaflet
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/PIL.29819.latest.pdf
– available:
Date of preparation: 16 February 2015
Nexium Consumer Launch Press Release
-
They are over the age of 55 and have new or recently change acid reflux symptoms
About Pfizer: Working together for a healthier world™
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set
the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines. Our diversified
global health care portfolio includes medicines and vaccines, as well as many of the world’s best-known consumer
healthcare products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that
challenge the most feared diseases of our time.
Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we also
collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable,
affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely
on us. In the UK, Pfizer has its business headquarters in Surrey and is a major supplier of medicines to the NHS. To learn
more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.co.uk.
1
Nexium Control® Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/24695
Last accessed: January 2015.
2 Forbes Consulting Groups Usage and Attitude Study
3 IMS September 2014 based on worldwide value sales
Cont.
Date of preparation: 16 February 2015