Rabeprazole, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: proton pump inhibitor (prevents acid production)

Generic and brand names: rabeprazole, oral; AcipHex

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn), and erosive esophagitis. It blocks the production of stomach acid. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

This medicine, along with certain antibiotics, may also be used to treat duodenal ulcers caused by H. pylori infection.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• liver disease.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Take it for as long as directed, even if you feel better.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe this medicine along with an antibiotic. Take all medicines each day as prescribed.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach. Take it at the same time each day.

These are delayed-release tablets. Do not split, crush, or chew them. Swallow them whole.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What should I watch out for?

It may take several days for your stomach pain to improve. If your condition does not improve or becomes worse, contact your healthcare provider.

Do not take this medicine for other conditions unless your healthcare provider approves.

Do not give this medicine to someone who has similar symptoms. It may make it hard to recognize other medical problems.

Drinking alcohol and smoking may increase acid in your stomach. Do not drink alcohol or smoke while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Yellow skin or eyes; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; dark urine.

Other: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, gas, constipation.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• iron medicines (Feosol, Fero-Gradumet, Mol-Iron, Fem-Iron)
• itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• sucralfate (Carafate) (take this medicine at least 30 minutes before you take the Carafate)
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.