AcipHex 20 mg tablet,delayed release

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Generic name:
Rabeprazole delayed-release - oral

Pronunciation
(ra-BEP-ra-zole)

Brand name(s)
Aciphex

Rabeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. It relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. This medication helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Rabeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

How to use

Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking rabeprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are using the tablets, take your dose by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 2 times daily. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

If you are using the capsules, take the dose 30 minutes before a meal as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not swallow the capsule whole. Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of soft food (such as applesauce or yogurt) or liquid. The food or liquid that you use should be at or below room temperature. Swallow the entire mixture within 15 minutes of preparing it. Do not chew or crush the prepared mixture.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

If needed, antacids may be taken along with this medication. If you are also taking sucralfate, take rabeprazole at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Continue to take this medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if you are feeling better.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. The risk of side effects goes up over time. Ask your doctor how long you should take this medication.

Side effects

Headache may occur. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, seizures)
signs of lupus (such as rash on nose and cheeks, new or worsening joint pain)
signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody urine)

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your doctor right away if you develop:

diarrhea that doesn't stop
abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
blood/mucus in your stool

If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.

Rarely, proton pump inhibitors (such as rabeprazole) have caused vitamin B-12 deficiency. The risk is increased if they are taken every day for a long time (3 years or longer). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency (such as unusual weakness, sore tongue, or numbness/tingling of the hands/feet).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

fever
swollen lymph nodes
rash
itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
severe dizziness
trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking rabeprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as lansoprazole, omeprazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

liver disease
lupus

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have:

heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness
chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
unexplained weight loss

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Proton pump inhibitors (such as rabeprazole) may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bone loss and fractures (see above), and C. difficile infection (see Side Effects section).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. The effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions