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WILMINGTON, Del. — To help educate consumers about Nexium, a prescription treatment option for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), AstraZeneca has launched resources ranging from disease information to video and interactive content via the Nexium YouTube channel.
The drug maker said Monday that the resources provide a more personal approach to connecting with patients using Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) by offering information on acid reflux disease, symptom relief and savings.
GERD is one of the nation’s most common chronic illnesses, affecting more than 60 million Americans each month, AstraZeneca reported. The disease is the underlying cause of more than 18 million doctor and hospital visits, 3.1 million hospitalizations and over 1,000 deaths in the United States.
"The majority of patients today use social media to source health and wellness information," stated Ken Graham, commercial business leader-G.I. for AstraZeneca. "With more than 1 billion unique users visiting YouTube each month, the Nexium YouTube channel puts everything from background on GERD to information on cost savings for Nexium at patients’ fingertips."
By visiting the NEXIUM YouTube channel, patients can find the following:
• "Burning Thoughts" on controlling GERD symptoms, including lifestyle or dietary changes that can go a long way in providing relief. New "burning thoughts" will be posted to the channel each week.
• Engaging videos on acid reflux disease and Nexium as a treatment option. The informative visual content that provides background on the role of stomach acid in digesting food and how Nexium works by inhibiting proton pumps in the stomach. A second video overviews important safety information and indications for Nexium.
• "Relief is at Hand" badge. The "shareable" badge is social way for patients to share information about Nexium with their friends and family and show their commitment to fighting GERD. Patients will be able to "pass the purple" with the badge on Facebook and Twitter.
"For more than two decades, AstraZeneca has been a leader in developing medications and educational resources for gastrointestinal diseases," stated Marta Illueca, executive director of medical affairs and strategic development for cornerstone brands at AstraZeneca. "The Nexium represents a new and innovative way through which we’re looking to reach and engage patients."
Besides the patient resources, the company also offers the Nexium Savings Card, through which most eligible patients will pay just $18 per month.
Since the Food and Drug Administration first approved Nexium in 2001, it has been prescribed more than 236 million times, according to AstraZeneca.
Nexium is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on two or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet. The medication is also prescribed to heal damage to the esophagus called erosive esophagitis.
