Dexilant

The active ingredient in Dexilant is dexlansoprazole. This compound works by inhibiting the proton pump in the stomach lining, thereby reducing the production of stomach acid. By decreasing the acid levels, Dexilant helps treat erosive esophagitis and for relief of heartburn.

Unlike other PPIs, Dexilant's DDR technology ensures that the medication is released in a controlled manner. The first release of dexlansoprazole provides immediate relief, while the second release helps lower the amount of acid in the stomach for up to 24 hours. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about heartburn ruining the experience.

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 Dexilant. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Dexilant:

Swallow Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) capsules whole without chewing or crushing the capsules or granules inside. You can take Dexilant without regard to food.

If you miss a dose of Dexilant, take it as soon as possible. If the next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose and take the next one at its scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Speak to your doctor if you struggle to swallow your medication whole. Often, they will recommend that you open it and sprinkle the granules onto a tablespoon of applesauce. Once you mix the granules in, swallow the mixture immediately without chewing. You can drink water afterward to ensure you swallowed all of the mixture.

Your doctor may also recommend or prescribe that you mix the Dexilant granules in an oral syringe with 20ml of water and take it via an NG tube or by mouth. It is important to immediately take the mixture. Do not save it for later use as it may affect the effectiveness of the medication. Do not use this method or the applesauce method without speaking to your healthcare professional.

It is important to use it only as directed by your healthcare provider, as long-term use can have potential risks such as bone fractures and low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia).

The most common side effects of Dexilant seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Flatulence (gas)
• Headache
• Common cold symptoms
• Sore throat

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

• Sudden and severe explosive diarrhea.
• If you experience severe or watery diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or nausea, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Clinical studies suggest that PPIs like Dexilant can increase the risk of acquiring a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) bacterial infection, which causes severe diarrhea. This risk is higher for people over 65 years old, those who have recently stayed in a hospital or nursing home, or those with a weakened immune system.
• Increased risk of renal (kidney) problems including excessive or less than usual urination, high fever, and loss of appetite.
• Lupus-like symptoms (lupus erythematosus) such as extreme joint pain and scaly skin rash on the arms or cheeks that worsens in the sunlight.
• Life-threatening allergic or serious allergic reactions (full-body hives, peeling skin, high fever, chills).
• Fundic gland polyps (abnormal tissue growths in the stomach).
• Chronic upper respiratory infection with constant runny nose and cough.
• Taking acid-lowering medications like Dexilant for a long period of time can cause vitamin b12 deficiency and low magnesium levels. The risk is increased if it is taken every day for a long time (3 years or longer).
• Kidney problems.
• While this is a rare occurrence, it's important to be aware of the symptoms and contact your provider if you experience them. These symptoms can include changes in urination, nausea or weakness, fever, rash, swelling of the body, feet, or ankles, unusual tiredness or weakness, or unusual weight gain.
• PPIs like Dexilant have been associated with rare but serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These reactions can cause symptoms like fever, body aches, rash, painful blisters, peeling skin, and swelling of the face.
• Increased likelihood of bone fractures, particularly in the spine, hip, or wrist.
• Taking more than one dose of the medication per day or using it for longer than a year can further increase this risk.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Dexilant. You should always seek medical advice from 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 Dexilant, 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 if you have:

• Heartburn, or a history of heartburn
• Frequent heartburn can be a sign of stomach cancer, and if the medication is masking this symptom, it could delay diagnosis and treatment. That's why it's important to let your healthcare provider know if your heartburn worsens after starting Dexilant or if you experience other symptoms such as poor appetite, unexplained weight loss, or weakness.
• Known hypersensitivity to any of Dexilant’s components
• This can lead to a serious allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis and acute tubulointerstitial nephritis.
• History of bone fractures or osteoporosis
• Low levels of magnesium in your blood
• Liver disease

• Known hypersensitivity to Dexilant or any of its ingredients.
• If you are receiving rilpivirine-containing products.

Dexilant typically begins to relieve heartburn symptoms within one to two days of starting treatment. Full relief from more severe acid reflux or erosive esophagitis may take up to one to two weeks of consistent use. For best results, take Dexilant as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.

When Dexilant 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 so they can check for drug interactions, including:

• Antiretroviral drugs such as rilpivirine, atazanavir, saquinavir, and nelfinavir can lead to reduced effectiveness, increased risk of drug resistance, or potential toxicity. Your healthcare provider will decide if these medications are contraindicated or need to be closely monitored.
• Strong inducers of CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 can cause a decreased concentration of Dexilant. Examples of such strong inducers include St. John’s Wort and rifampin.
• When taken with Dexilant, warfarin may increase your risk of abnormal and potentially fatal bleeding. You should be monitored for changes in INR and prothrombin time, and dose adjustment of warfarin may be necessary.
• If you take high-dose methotrexate, your healthcare provider may temporarily stop Dexilant to prevent methotrexate toxicity. If you take these 2 medications together, you should be monitored for methotrexate toxicity.
• Dexilant may increase the concentration of digoxin if taken together. It is recommended that your digoxin concentrations are monitored and dose adjustments considered to maintain therapeutic drug concentrations.
• The use of Dexilant can also reduce the absorption of other drugs that are dependent on gastric acidity for absorption, such as iron salts, erlotinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, mycophenolate mofetil, and ketoconazole/itraconazole.
• Dexilant can also increase the concentration of tacrolimus.

Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) is available as a delayed-release capsule in two strengths: 30mg and 60mg. These capsules are designed to release the medication gradually, ensuring that it's effective at managing stomach acid levels over an extended period.

Storing Dexilant at room temperature in its original container is recommended, specifically between the temperature range of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). This will help maintain the stability and effectiveness of the medication. It is important to keep the medication away from moisture and excessive heat.

Dexilant is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.

The FDA has approved a generic version of Dexilant known as dexlansoprazole. Despite the FDA's approval, the generic version may not be available at local pharmacies due to production or distribution issues. Related medications include: Prilosec (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), and Prevacid SoluTab (lansoprazole).

To stop taking Dexilant, consult your healthcare provider to determine if tapering is necessary, especially if you’ve been on it long-term. Gradually reducing the dose over several weeks can help prevent rebound acid production, which can cause temporary worsening of heartburn symptoms. Your doctor may recommend alternative medications or lifestyle changes to manage symptoms during the transition.

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. It is recommended that you take Dexilant while pregnant only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

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. There currently is no information about whether breastfeeding is harmful to your baby.