For what conditions or diseases is this medicine prescribed?

Treats Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or for Gastrointestinal Medications

Aciphex is used to treat heartburn or irritation of the esophagus caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can be used for the short-term treatment of ulcers of the small intestine. It can be used with certain antibiotics to treat small bowel ulcers and to help prevent them from coming back. It can be used to treat conditions that cause your body to make too much stomach acid (for example, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome). Aciphex is a proton pump inhibitor. It works by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

DO NOT use Aciphex if

• are allergic to any of the ingredients in Aciphex or to similar medicines (eg omeprazole)
• you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (for example, atazanavir).

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions can interact with Aciphex. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have a medical condition, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are allergic to medicines, foods or other substances
• if you have liver problems or cancer of the stomach or intestines.

Some medications can interact with Aciphex. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following

• Clarithromycin or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of Aciphex side effects
• Blood thinners (eg warfarin), cyclosporine or digoxin because the risk of their side effects may be increased with Aciphex
• Azole antifungals (eg ketoconazole), clopidogrel, HIV protease inhibitors (eg atazanavir), or iron because their effectiveness may be decreased by Aciphex.

This may not be a complete list of all the interactions that can occur. Ask your doctor if Aciphex can interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication.

How should this medicine be used?

Use Aciphex as directed by your doctor.

• Take Aciphex by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Aciphex whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it before swallowing.
• You can take antacids while you are taking Aciphex if your doctor tells you to.
• If you also take an imidazole antifungal (for example, ketoconazole), take it at least 2 hours before taking Aciphex.
• If you also take sucralfate, take Aciphex at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.
• Keep taking Aciphex even if you feel fine. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Aciphex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Ask your doctor any questions you have about the use of Aciphex.

What are the side effects that this medicine could cause?

Important safety information:

• Aciphex can cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects can be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medications. Use Aciphex with caution. Don't drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as black tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or if you experience a sore throat, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or trouble swallowing.
• Aciphex should be used with extreme caution in Asian patients; the risk of side effects may be increased in these patients.
• Aciphex should be used with extreme caution in children under 12 years of age; safety and efficacy at these ages have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, consult your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Aciphex during pregnancy. It is not known if Aciphex is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Aciphex.

How is Aciphex (Rabeprazole) stored?

Store Aciphex at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage is allowed at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aciphex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

what should I do in case of an overdose?

If you miss a dose of Aciphex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time
Ask your doctor any questions you have about the use of Aciphex.

Important safety information:

• Aciphex can cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects can be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medications. Use Aciphex with caution. Don't drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms of a bleeding ulcer, such as black tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or if you experience a sore throat, chest pain, severe stomach pain, or trouble swallowing.
• Aciphex should be used with extreme caution in Asian patients; the risk of side effects may be increased in these patients.
• Aciphex should be used with extreme caution in children under 12 years of age; safety and efficacy at these ages have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, consult your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Aciphex during pregnancy. It is not known if Aciphex is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Aciphex.Use Aciphex as directed in the package insert.