Rabeprazole, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: proton pump inhibitor (antacid)

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), erosive esophagitis, and other conditions caused by stomach acid that backs up into your esophagus (food pipe).

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

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

If you take this medicine along with antibiotics, tell your health care provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to antibiotics (especially penicillin).

Tell your health care provider if you have liver disease.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment with this medicine.

How do I take it?

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

Usually you will take this medicine for 4 to 8 weeks. Your health care provider may want you to take it 4 to 8 weeks longer if your esophagus or ulcer has not healed completely. Usually, this medicine is not prescribed for longer than 16 weeks, but the length of your treatment may be different. Be sure you know how long you should take this medicine.

This medicine works best if taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before eating. You may take it with food if it upsets your stomach.

Take this medicine 2 hours before or after you take an antacid.

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

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 health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take this medicine for other conditions unless your health care 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 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 health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Chest pain, yellow skin or eyes, weakness.

Other: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.

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 health care provider if you are taking:

• ampicillin (Omnipen, Totacillin, Polycillin)
• benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium), flurazepam (Dalmane), and triazolam (Halcion)
• dapsone (Avlosulfon)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• iron medicines (Feosol, Fero-Gradumet, Mol-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 health care 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 health care 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.