Why is this medication prescribed?

AcipHex Sprinkles is a brand name for the generic drug rabeprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It is prescribed primarily to reduce stomach acid production. Here are the main reasons it’s prescribed:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): It helps treat GERD by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, thus relieving symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and difficulty swallowing.
• Erosive Esophagitis: Rabeprazole is used to heal and prevent further damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid, often in cases of erosive esophagitis.
• Peptic Ulcers: It is prescribed to treat and prevent the recurrence of stomach and duodenal ulcers by reducing stomach acid, which can help ulcers heal.
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: Rabeprazole is used in conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, where excessive stomach acid is produced due to tumors in the pancreas or duodenum.
• Helicobacter pylori Infection: It is sometimes used in combination with antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, a bacteria associated with ulcers.

AcipHex Sprinkles are specifically formulated for pediatric use, allowing the medication to be easily administered by sprinkling it on soft food or liquid for children who cannot swallow tablets.

How should this medicine be used?

AcipHex Sprinkles (rabeprazole) are used to treat certain conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children aged 1 to 11 years. Here’s how they should be used:

• Dosage: Follow the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dose without consulting your doctor.
• Administration:
  • AcipHex Sprinkles should be taken 30 minutes before a meal.
  • The medication is available in a capsule form containing enteric-coated granules.
  • Open the capsule and sprinkle the granules onto a small amount of soft food (like applesauce, yogurt) or into a small amount of liquid (like apple juice). Do not crush or chew the granules.
• Swallow Immediately: Once mixed with food or liquid, the entire mixture should be swallowed immediately. Do not save any mixture for later use.
• Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Avoid mixing the granules with warm or hot foods or liquids, as this can affect the effectiveness of the medication.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses.
• Storage: Store the medication at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized instructions.

Other uses for this medicine

• Erosive Esophagitis: To heal erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid).
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: A rare condition where the stomach produces too much acid.
• Duodenal Ulcers: To treat or prevent ulcers in the small intestine (duodenum) and to prevent their return after healing.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions to Follow for AcipHex Sprinkles:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to rabeprazole or other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or any inactive ingredients in AcipHex Sprinkles.
• Medical History: Disclose your full medical history, especially if you have liver disease, osteoporosis, low magnesium levels, or a history of lupus.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of AcipHex Sprinkles during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established.
• Long-Term Use Risks: Long-term use of rabeprazole can increase the risk of bone fractures, particularly in the hip, wrist, or spine. Your doctor may monitor your bone health and recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements if necessary.
• Drug Interactions: Rabeprazole can interact with other medications, such as warfarin, digoxin, methotrexate, and certain antifungal or HIV medications. Provide a list of all your current medications and supplements to your healthcare provider.
• Risk of Infections: Long-term use of PPIs like rabeprazole can increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections, including Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Long-term use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Your doctor may monitor your B12 levels, especially if you are on long-term therapy.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may perform regular blood tests to monitor liver function, magnesium levels, or other parameters.
• Do Not Discontinue Abruptly: Do not stop taking AcipHex Sprinkles suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may cause a rebound in stomach acid production.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and report any unusual symptoms or side effects.

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?

• Take It as Soon as You Remember: If you miss a dose of AcipHex Sprinkles, take it as soon as you remember.
• Skip It If It’s Close to the Next Dose: If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed one.
• Continue Regular Dosing: Resume your regular dosing schedule after the missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

AcipHex Sprinkles (rabeprazole) can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Not everyone experiences these side effects, but it’s important to be aware of them.

Common Side Effects: These side effects are generally mild and may go away as your body adjusts to the medication:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Flatulence (gas)
• Sore throat

Serious Side Effects: Although less common, AcipHex Sprinkles can cause more serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Severe Diarrhea: This could be a sign of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur during treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
• Signs of Low Magnesium Levels:
  • Muscle cramps or spasms
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Dizziness
• Signs of an Allergic Reaction:
  • Rash or hives
  • Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat)
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing
• Bone Fractures: Long-term use, especially at high doses, may increase the risk of fractures, particularly in the hip, wrist, or spine.
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Symptoms of deficiency may include fatigue, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the hands or feet, or difficulty walking.
• Liver Issues: Signs include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe tiredness.
• Lupus-like Syndrome: Some people taking rabeprazole may develop symptoms similar to lupus, including a rash on the nose and cheeks and joint pain.
• Interstitial Nephritis: A type of kidney inflammation that may occur, presenting with symptoms such as fever, rash, and changes in urine output.
• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE): A skin condition with symptoms like red, scaly, or crusted rash, often on the face.
• Mild Side Effects: If you experience mild side effects, talk to your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dose or suggest ways to manage the symptoms.
• Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects.

Always inform your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking AcipHex Sprinkles. They can help determine whether the medication is the cause and what steps should be taken.

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

Storage and Disposal of AcipHex Sprinkles:

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store AcipHex Sprinkles at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Avoid Moisture and Heat: Keep the medication away from excessive moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom.
• Keep Out of Reach of Children: Store the medication in a secure place, out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion.

Disposal:

• Do Not Flush: Do not flush AcipHex Sprinkles down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so by local regulations.
• Medication Take-Back Program: If available, use a drug take-back program to dispose of unused or expired medication.
• Proper Disposal in Trash: If no take-back program is available, mix the unused medication with an undesirable substance (like dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter), place it in a sealed plastic bag, and dispose of it in the household trash.

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.
• 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?

• Keep All Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important, especially if you are on long-term treatment with AcipHex Sprinkles. These visits allow your doctor to monitor your response to the medication and check for any potential side effects.
• Do Not Share Medication: Never share AcipHex Sprinkles with others, even if they have similar symptoms. The medication is prescribed based on individual medical conditions and needs.
• Medical and Dental Procedures: Inform all healthcare providers, including dentists, that you are taking AcipHex Sprinkles, especially if you require surgery or certain medical tests.
• Medication List: Keep an updated list of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, and share this list with your healthcare provider to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Follow any specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations provided by your doctor, especially regarding foods and activities that might exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
• Alcohol and Smoking: Avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can increase stomach acid production and worsen GERD symptoms.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Signs of Serious Conditions: Be aware of and report any signs of serious conditions such as severe abdominal pain, bloody or tarry stools, persistent vomiting, or chest pain to your healthcare provider.

If you have any questions or concerns about using AcipHex Sprinkles, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for more personalized advice.