Aciphex (Generic)

Generic Aciphex (rabeprazole) belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Aciphex decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Generic Aciphex is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is also used to promote healing of erosive esophagitis (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid). Generic Aciphex may also be given with an antibiotic to prevent gastric ulcer caused by infection with helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

*Generic Aciphex is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Take Generic Aciphex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Generic Aciphex is usually given for 4 to 8 weeks only. Your doctor may recommend a second course of treatment if you need additional healing time.

When treating H. pylori infection, Generic Aciphex may be needed for only 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Generic Aciphex may be taken with or without food. Do not crush, break, or chew a Generic Aciphex tablet. Swallow it whole.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Generic Aciphex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Generic Aciphex and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of low magnesium such as:

• dizziness, confusion;
• fast or uneven heart rate;
• jerking muscle movements;
• feeling jittery;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• cough or choking feeling; or
• seizure (convulsions).

Less serious Generic Aciphex side effects may include:

• headache;
• upset stomach or mild diarrhea;
• insomnia or nervousness; or
• a rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

This medication can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Aciphex and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• atazanavir (Reyataz);
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
• a diuretic (water pill);
• ketoconazole (Nizoral);
• methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); or
• cyclosporine (Gengraf, Sandimmune, Neoral).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Generic Aciphex.

Never exceed the recommended dosage of Generic Aciphex. Missed doses should be taken as soon as the users remembers, however if it almost time for the next dosage, skip the missed dose and revert back to normal schedule. Do not take more than 2 doses of Generic Aciphex in one instance.

If one has taken too much Generic Aciphex, call a doctor or Poison Control Center immediately. Very serious over dosage can possibly lead to convulsions, diarrhea, tremors, coma, and hyperactivity.

Store Generic Aciphex at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.