What is Vimovo Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayVimovo (esomeprazole/naproxen) is a combination medication that is manufactured by Horizon Medicines, LLC. It was approved in 2010 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat inflammatory conditions in adults such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis while protecting the stomach from ulcers. It is also used to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients 12 years of age and older.
If your doctor has prescribed Vimovo to you, you may want to know more about what it is and how it works. Here we’ll explain what Vimovo is used for, how it works, its side effects, and more.
What is Vimovo used for?
Vimovo (esomeprazole/naproxen) contains a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (naproxen) and a proton pump inhibitor (esomeprazole). It is indicated to treat adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older that weigh at least 38kg. Naproxen is indicated to provide symptom relief of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis in adults. It is approved to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in adolescent patients. Esomeprazole magnesium is indicated to decrease the risk of developing naproxen-associated gastric ulcers.
Vimovo is not recommended as the first-line treatment for acute pain and controlled studies did not last beyond 6 months.
How does Vimovo work?
The naproxen in Vimovo works like other NSAIDs by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2). It is a potent inhibitor in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which play a key role in your inflammatory response.
Esomeprazole is a PPI that blocks stomach acid production by inhibiting the H⁺/K⁺ ATPase proton pump. PPIs like esomeprazole are the most potent inhibitors of acid secretion available.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Vimovo?
- 375mg enteric-coated naproxen /20mg immediate-release esomeprazole
- 500mg enteric-coated naproxen /20mg immediate-release esomeprazole
Before taking Vimovo
Before starting Vimovo, tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Heart disease or other heart problems such as high blood pressure
- Asthma
- Low magnesium, calcium, or potassium levels
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant
How to take Vimovo
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Patient Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with your prescription.
- Take Vimovo exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take 1 Vimovo tablet 2 times each day at least 30 minutes before a meal. You should swallow the Vimovo tablet whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush the Vimovo tablet. You can take antacids such as Tums (calcium carbonate) with Vimovo.
- If you forget a dose of Vimovo, take it immediately. If it’s almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Skip it and take your next dose at its regular time. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
- If you think you have taken too much Vimovo, call your doctor or your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away or go to the nearest emergency room.
Vimovo contraindications
Vimovo should not be taken if you:
- have a known hypersensitivity to naproxen, esomeprazole, omeprazole, or any other ingredients in Vimovo.
- have a history of asthma or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
- are undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
- are receiving rilpivirine-containing products.
Vimovo warnings
- Vimovo can cause liver damage. It should be discontinued if you have abnormal liver tests or signs and symptoms of liver disease.
- You should have your blood pressure monitored as you may not respond to your blood pressure medications while on Vimovo.
- Vimovo should be avoided if you have severe heart failure unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risk of worsening heart failure.
- Your kidney function should be monitored while on Vimovo and should be avoided if you have advanced kidney disease.
- Caution should be used if you have asthma and avoided if you have aspirin-sensitive asthma.
- Vimovo should be stopped at the first appearance of skin rash or other hypersensitivity reactions.
- Vimovo may cause GI bleeding or anemia. Stop taking Vimovo and go to the emergency room if you vomit blood or particles that look like coffee grounds or if your stool is bright red or black and tarry.
- Do not use Vimovo with other NSAIDs such as aspirin and Advil (ibuprofen).
- PPIs such as esomeprazole may cause an increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
- Long-term use of PPIs may cause an increased risk of osteoporosis-related bone fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine.
- Do not use Vimovo if you are currently taking Plavix (clopidogrel), St. John’s Wort, or Rifadin (rifampin).
- Use with caution if you are taking Trexall (methotrexate) as it can increase the concentrations of methotrexate and may lead to toxicity.
- Long-term use of high-dose Vimovo may also cause vitamin B-12 deficiency, low magnesium levels, or polyps.
Vimovo drug interactions
When Vimovo is taken with other medications, it may change the way they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Discuss with your doctor whether any of the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take may interact with this medication, including:
- Diuretics (furosemide)
- Corticosteroids (prednisone)
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Clopidogrel
- Antiretroviral (rilpivirine, atazanavir, erlotinib, or nelfinavir)
- SSRIs (fluoxetine) or other antidepressants
- ACE inhibitors (lisinopril)
- ARBs (losartan)
- Beta-blockers (metoprolol)
- Digoxin
- Lithium
- Ketoconazole
- Methotrexate
- Rifampin
Vimovo side effects
The most common side effects of Vimovo in clinical trials compared to placebo include:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Muscle spasms
- Lightheadedness
In rare instances, Vimovo can cause more serious side effects, including:
- Severe allergic reaction (hives, angioedema, and shortness of breath)
- Chest pain
- Heart failure (swelling of the ankles/feet, unusual fatigue, unexplained weight gain)
- Lupus (rash on nose and cheeks, new or worsening joint pain)
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Liver or kidney impairment
- Severe skin reaction (hives, peeling, or blistering)
- Abnormal nutrient levels (tiredness, lightheadedness, muscle weakness)
Contact your doctor for medical advice about any adverse effects you experience while taking Vimovo. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Vimovo alternatives
Your healthcare professional can prescribe other medications for pain if Vimovo is not right for you. These medications will vary by different factors such as side effects and costs. Some FDA-approved alternatives to Vimovo include:
- Duexis (ibuprofen/famoditine)
- Arthrotec (diclofenac/misoprostol)
- Mobic (meloxicam)
- Indocin (indomethacin)
- Lodine (etodolac)
- Relafen DS (nabumetone)
Vimovo FAQs
Can you take Vimovo while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
Vimovo use should be avoided if you are at about 30 weeks gestation or later as it may harm your fetus. It should be also used with extreme caution at about 20 weeks gestation. If it must be used between 20 weeks and 30 weeks gestation, use it at the lowest effective dose and shortest duration possible. Naproxen is known to be excreted in breast milk so its use during lactation is not recommended.
You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
How long does it take Vimovo to work?
While you should see improvement within the first few days, it may take up to 2 weeks to see its full benefits.
Is Vimovo a narcotic?
No, Vimovo is a combination of an anti-inflammatory medication naproxen, and a medication to protect your stomach, esomeprazole.
Is Vimovo a prescription drug?
Yes, your doctor will need to write a prescription for you to take Vimovo. While the 2 medications in Vimovo are available over the counter, you should not substitute them with the single-ingredient products of naproxen and esomeprazole.
How should I store Vimovo?
You should store Vimovo in the original container at room temperature between 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC to 25ºC).
Is there a generic for Vimovo?
Currently, there is no generic Vimovo available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Vimovo through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.