Aciphex
® (
rabeprazole sodium) is a medication that is used to treat a number of conditions within the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, including:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Erosive esophagitis
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
- Pathological hypersecretory conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
- Duodenal ulcers.
Aciphex medicine is manufactured by Eisai Co. and marketed by Eisai and PRICARA, a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Aciphex is part of a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).The stomach contains tiny pumps (called proton pumps) that produce acid. Aciphex works by binding to the proton pumps, stopping them from producing acid. PPIs are very effective at decreasing acid production.
Aciphex reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, which can:
- Make heartburn and other GERD symptoms go away
- Allow damage to the esophagus to heal
- Give the stomach or intestines time to heal.
When and How Do I Take Aciphex?
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Aciphex comes in tablet form. It can be taken with or without food.
- The tablets should not be split, chewed, or crushed.
- It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your system.
- For it to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. Not everyone who takes Aciphex will experience side effects, however. When people do develop side effects, they are usually minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
There are a number of medicines that may interact with Aciphex.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Any allergies, including to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
There have been a limited number of cases of people overdosing on Aciphex. Therefore, the overdose symptoms are not well known. If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Aciphex should be stored at room temperature and kept in an airtight container, away from moisture. It is important to keep Aciphex and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Aciphex as scheduled, take your next scheduled dose at its normal time. Never take a double dose.
Aciphex is available in one strength -- Aciphex 20 mg.
There is currently no generic Aciphex available for sale
(see Aciphex Generic for more information).
