Brief Answer: See gastroenterologist, colonoscopy, fibroscopy Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, Nexium has side effects at the level of the muscles. However, pain is not a unusual side effect of Nexium. Cramps and muscle weakness are the common side effects usually associated with Nexium. I would suggest a proper evaluation of the pain you are experiencing in the left hand. Any notion of recent trauma, swelling, pain in other associated joint, feverish feeling, morning tightness should be noted. Blood tests to exclude any inflammatory process could be helpful depending on the outcome of a proper clinical review. It is imperative to know also if this is the very first time you are experiencing this pain or not, and also making a clear view if this pain was experienced only after taking Nexium. It is possible for it to be associated to Nexium, but it is however a bit rare. Measuring blood levels of muscle creatinine kinase could give some insight to any muscle attack byvthis drug or not. Stomach pain would more precision with respect to the site, intensity, timing, relieving and aggravating factors as well as associated signs and symptoms. Specific exams could then be asked light stool cultures, abdominal ultrasounds, scans and endoscopy in case of need. In case of a past history peptic ulcer disease or gastritis, it is important to have tested for and eradicated Helicobacter Pylori, if present, thought to responsible for most of the symptoms in gastritis/petic ulcer disease. Nexium is usually associated to two other antibiotics to get this done. Inadequate response to Nexium, or other proton pump inhibitors, could either imply need to extend duration of treatment, or dose of drugs. Conditions associated with excessive secretion of gastric acid like Zollinger Ellison s syndrome, that could cause excessive pain and gastrointestinal bleeding should always be borne at the back of the mind. Bowel bleeding is serious. Knowing exactly the site s imperative for this orientates to the main cause. Fibroscopies and colonoscopies to exclude any colon tumor could be helpful. Occult stool measurement in blood is an option to consider. I propose a proper review by a Gastroenterologist. Kind regards. DR Bain

---