Nexium vs Losec
A side-by-side look at two gastrointestinal medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| NZ Nexium | NZ Losec | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | esomeprazole | omeprazole |
| Drug class | Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) | Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) |
| Treats | Acid reflux, GERD, stomach ulcers | Acid reflux, stomach ulcers, GERD |
| Category | Gastrointestinal | Gastrointestinal |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca | AstraZeneca |
| Year approved | 2000 | 1989 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $6M | $3M |
| Common side effects | Headache, Diarrhea, Nausea, Abdominal pain | Headache, Diarrhea, Stomach pain, Nausea |
Frequently asked questions
Is Nexium or Losec better?
Neither is universally "better." Nexium (esomeprazole) and Losec (omeprazole) are both used for gastrointestinal, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Nexium and Losec?
Nexium is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) made by AstraZeneca, while Losec is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) made by AstraZeneca. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Nexium has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.