Aciphex

The active ingredient in Aciphex is rabeprazole sodium, which is a proton pump inhibitor. It reduces the amount of acid in your stomach by inhibiting the final stage of acid formation. This helps to alleviate heartburn and other stomach issues.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Aciphex. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Aciphex:

• Aciphex is only for short-term use, typically 4 to 8 weeks. If you require more time to heal, your doctor may prescribe a second round of treatment.
• Take this medication with a full glass of water.
• If you use this medication to treat duodenal ulcers or to prevent ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, take it with food. If you take it for any other reason, you can take it with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• This medication may have an effect on the outcome of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking this medication.

The most common side effects of rabeprazole include:

• Sore throat.
• Passing gas.
• Infections.
• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Headache.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Aciphex. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe infectious diarrhea.
• Kidney problems include increased or decreased urination, fever, and a low appetite. A type of kidney problem called acute tubulointerstitial nephritis can happen at any time during treatment with rabeprazole.
• Lupus symptoms include joint pain and a skin rash on the arms or face that worsens in sunshine.
• Increased risk of bone fractures.
• Increased risk of fundic gland polyps.
• Serious allergic reactions with symptoms such as hives, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing.
• Severe skin reactions like toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-- Johnson syndrome (SJS). Symptoms include blistering, peeling, or bleeding skin, fever, and chills.
• Low magnesium and vitamin B12 levels.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Aciphex. You should always consult your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Aciphex, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Liver disease.
• Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.
• Lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease).
• Low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia).
• Rilpivirine-containing medications (Edurant, Complera, Juluca, or Odefsey).
• Kidney disease.
• Allergy to medications containing rabeprazole, or other PPIs like esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, and pantoprazole.

• People taking Edurant (rilpivirine) or rilpivirine-containing medications (e.g., Complera).
• Allergy to medications containing rabeprazole, or other PPIs like esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, and pantoprazole.

In general, persons who take PPIs report that their heartburn or GERD symptoms improve after three days of medication. However, clinical research found that 64-69% of persons who took rabeprazole (Aciphex) reported significant alleviation from heartburn symptoms within the first 24 hours. If you need urgent relief, talk to your doctor about taking quick-acting antacids like Tums with rabeprazole (Aciphex) until the medication takes effect.

When Aciphex is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• An antibiotic like clarithromycin or amoxicillin.
• Atazanavir.
• Nelfinavir.
• Clopidogrel.
• Ketoconazole.
• Digoxin.
• A diuretic, or "water pill".
• Methotrexate.

-Warfarin (Coumadin and Jantoven).

Treatment for ulcerative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): The normal recommended dose is 20 mg orally once daily for 4-8 weeks. If you continue to have problems, your clinician may recommend another 8 weeks of treatment for you.

Maintenance treatment for ulcerative GERD: The normal suggested dosage form is delayed-release tablets of 20 mg taken orally once daily.

For duodenal ulcers, the normal suggested dose is 20 mg orally in the morning for up to 4 weeks.

H. pylori triple therapy: The normal recommended dose is 20 milligrams taken orally twice a day for 7 days. It is generally used along with amoxicillin and clarithromycin.

Medical diseases that induce excess stomach acid: The typical starting high dose is 60 mg orally once daily.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Eisai Inc. is the manufacturer of Aciphex.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

If you've been on rabeprazole for a long period, consult your doctor before stopping it. Stopping the medication abruptly may cause your stomach to create significantly more acid and your symptoms to return. This can be avoided by progressively reducing the dose before discontinuing completely.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Currently, it is unknown if Wellbutrin can harm an unborn baby. Some data suggest it might affect the development of your unborn baby's heart. However, other studies didn't find any risk of heart problems with Wellbutrin.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.