Aciphex

Aciphex decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Aciphex is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Aciphex is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

Aciphex may also be given with an antibiotic to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

Aciphex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Aciphex?

You should not use Aciphex if you are allergic to rabeprazole or to similar medicines such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), or pantoprazole (Protonix).

Some conditions are treated with a combination of Aciphex and antibiotics. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

Take Aciphex for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aciphex?

You should not use Aciphex if you are allergic to rabeprazole or to similar medicines such as lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), or pantoprazole (Protonix).

Before taking Aciphex, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have severe liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Aciphex.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of Aciphex and antibiotics. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Aciphex passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Aciphex?

Take Aciphex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Aciphex is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. Your doctor may recommend a second course of treatment if you need additional healing time.

When treating H. pylori infection, Aciphex may be needed for only 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Aciphex may be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, break, or chew a Aciphex tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or crushing the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Take Aciphex for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before your treatment is completed. Store Aciphex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a Aciphex overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Aciphex?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Aciphex.

Aciphex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;

• upset stomach or diarrhea;

• insomnia or nervousness; or

• a rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Aciphex?

The following drugs can interact with Aciphex. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• ketoconazole (Nizoral); or

• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Aciphex. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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