Aciphex prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It reduces symptoms and prevents injury to the esophagus or stomach in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or ulcers. Aciphex is also useful in conditions that produce too much stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Aciphex may also be used with antibiotics to get rid of bacteria that are associated with some ulcers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

RABEPRAZOLE SODIUM - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aciphex

USES: Relieves Heartburn and Other Symptoms of Erosive GERD.

HOW TO USE: Take aciphex tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water; do not crush, break, or chew. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: fever or sore throat; persistent skin rash; unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of the eyes or skin. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea/vomiting; rash; tiredness.

PRECAUTIONS: It can take several days of therapy with aciphex before your stomach pains improve. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition does not improve, or if it gets worse. You can take antacids for the occasional relief of stomach pain unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ampicillin; cyclosporine; diazepam; digoxin; iron salts; itraconazole; ketoconazole.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, unusual sweating, blurred vision, unusually fast heartbeat, seizures.

NOTES: Prescriber needs to know if you have any of these conditions: liver disease; an unusual or allergic reaction to omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not freeze. Store this out of reach of children.