Rabeprazole (By mouth)

Introduction:

Rabeprazole (ra-BEP-ra-zole)

Treats stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and other conditions caused by too much stomach acid.

Brand Name(s):

Aciphex

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to rabeprazole or to other stomach medicines such as omeprazole, Nexium®, Prevacid®, Prilosec®, or Protonix®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Delayed Release Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole. Do not chew, crush, or break it.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.For stomach ulcers, it is best to take this medicine after your morning meal.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or a medicine to treat fungal infections such as ketoconazole, or Nizoral®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Black, tarry stools, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Chest pain.
  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Headache.
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