ACIPHEX


Generic Name: Rabeprazole (rah BEH prah zole)
Brand Names: Aciphex

What is the most important information I should know about rabeprazole?
• Do not stop taking rabeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before your condition is fully treated.
• Do not break, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

What is rabeprazole?
• Rabeprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in your stomach.
• Rabeprazole is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production.
• Rabeprazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take rabeprazole?
• Talk to your doctor before taking rabeprazole if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take rabeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver disease.
• Rabeprazole is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take rabeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is not known whether rabeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not take rabeprazole without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take rabeprazole?
• Take rabeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Do not break, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.
• Do not stop taking rabeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before your condition is fully treated.
• Store rabeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a rabeprazole overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking rabeprazole?
• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking rabeprazole, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of rabeprazole?
• Serious side effects from rabeprazole are rare. Stop taking rabeprazole and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to rabeprazole.
• Less serious side effects from rabeprazole are also uncommon. Continue to take rabeprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience
· headache;
· upset stomach or diarrhea;
· insomnia or nervousness; or
· a rash or itching.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect rabeprazole?
• Before taking rabeprazole, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
· ketoconazole (Nizoral),
· ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen),
· iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others),
· digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), or
· cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral).
• You may not be able to take rabeprazole, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with rabeprazole. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.