Why is this medication prescribed?

AcipHex (generic name rabeprazole) is a type of medication known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is prescribed primarily for:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): To reduce stomach acid and help prevent damage to the esophagus caused by acid reflux.
• Peptic Ulcers: To help heal and prevent ulcers in the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine by reducing stomach acid.
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A rare condition where the stomach produces too much acid; rabeprazole helps control this excessive acid production.

By reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, AcipHex helps alleviate symptoms like heartburn, indigestion, and stomach pain, and promotes healing in the digestive tract.

How should this medicine be used?

AcipHex (rabeprazole) should be used according to your doctor’s instructions. Here are some general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Follow the prescribed dosage and frequency given by your healthcare provider. It’s typically taken once daily, but your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this can affect how the medication is released and absorbed.
• Timing: It is usually recommended to take AcipHex in the morning before a meal. Taking it on an empty stomach can help it work more effectively.
• Consistency: Try to take it at the same time each day to help remember to take it consistently.
• Duration: Continue taking AcipHex for the full length of time prescribed, even if you start to feel better before the medication is finished.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about how to use AcipHex.

Other uses for this medicine

• Helicobacter pylori Eradication: As part of a combination therapy to help eradicate H. pylori bacteria in the stomach, which can contribute to ulcers.
• Erosive Esophagitis: Caused by acid reflux, to help heal the esophagus and alleviate symptoms.
• Chronic Gastritis: To reduce stomach acid and manage inflammation of the stomach lining.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for AcipHex:

1. • Allergies: Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to rabeprazole or other PPIs.
   • Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider if you have liver problems, bone health issues, or kidney disease. You may need dosage adjustments or additional monitoring.
   • Drug Interactions: Share information about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. AcipHex can interact with certain medications, such as warfarin, methotrexate, and others.
   • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, to understand the potential risks and benefits.
   • Long-Term Use: If using AcipHex for an extended period, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor for any potential side effects or complications.
   • Symptoms Monitoring: Report any new or worsening symptoms, such as persistent stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and report any side effects or concerns you may have while using AcipHex.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Food and Drink: AcipHex is typically taken before meals, and it is generally not affected by specific dietary restrictions. However, a balanced diet can help with overall digestive health.
• Avoid Certain Foods: While not directly related to AcipHex, avoiding foods that trigger acid reflux (e.g., spicy foods, citrus, caffeine, and alcohol) may enhance the effectiveness of the medication.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water when taking the medication to help it dissolve and be absorbed properly.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: If you remember a missed dose while it’s still close to the scheduled time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as planned. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Contact Your Doctor: If you’re unsure about what to do after missing a dose, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

AcipHex (rabeprazole) can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Flatulence

Less common but more serious side effects include:

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Kidney Problems: Symptoms might include changes in urination, swelling in legs or feet, and fatigue.
• Bone Fractures: Long-term use may increase the risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, wrist, or spine.
• Low Magnesium Levels: Symptoms might include muscle spams, irregular heartbeat, or dizziness.
• Clostridium difficile Infection: An infection in the colon that can cause severe diarrhea.
• Liver Issues: Symptoms might include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe stomach pain.

If you experience any serious side effects or symptoms that are severe or unusual, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can help determine the best course of action and decide whether the medication should be adjusted or discontinued.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of AcipHex:

• Storage:
  • Temperature: Store AcipHex at room temperature, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Protection: Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and protect it from moisture and light.
  • Keep Out of Reach: Store the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Medication Take-Back Programs: The best way to dispose of unused or expired medications is to take them to a medication take-back program or a pharmacy that offers disposal services.
  • Disposal Instructions: If no take-back programs are available, follow specific disposal instructions on the medication label or consult your pharmacist. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into drains unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, confusion, and dizziness. In severe cases, it might cause more serious symptoms, but overdose is not commonly reported with this medication.
• Actions to Take:
  • Contact Emergency Services: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.
  • Poison Control: You can also call your local poison control center for advice.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: If you are on AcipHex for a long period, your doctor may monitor you for potential side effects or complications. Regular check-ups are important.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements, as AcipHex can interact with certain drugs.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Complement medication with lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods and managing stress to help improve symptoms of GERD or other conditions being treated.
• Consult Healthcare Provider: Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about AcipHex, its side effects, or how it interacts with your overall health.

Keeping these guidelines in mind will help you use AcipHex safely and effectively.