Generic Aciphex

Aciphex, which is generically prescribed as rabeprazole, is commonly used to treat stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or other stomach acid conditions. Aciphex reduces the stomach acid production.

Aciphex is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes liver disease or a previous sensitivity to rabeprazole may not be able to take Aciphex or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Aciphex, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Aciphex as a pregnancy risk category B. This medication is not expected to cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. It has yet to be determined whether Aciphex passes through the mother’s breast milk and affects a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should thoroughly discuss whether the benefits outweigh the risks prior to prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Aciphex, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical intervention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical treatment include symptoms such as uncontrollable diarrhea and insomnia lasting more than a few days.

Less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical care but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as upset stomach, diarrhea, headaches, mild insomnia, nervousness, rash, or itching. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Aciphex.

Aciphex should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected the patient should seek immediate medical attention. At this time the effects of an overdose are unknown, but it is speculated that insomnia, abdominal pain, and possibly gastrointestinal effects are possible. Patients should still seek emergency medical care to have their vital signs monitored and to report any new effects.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Aciphex. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications that are known to interact with Aciphex include digoxin, iron supplements, ketoconazole, ampicillin, and cyclosporine.

Aciphex should be taken for as long as it is recommended by the prescribing physician. Patients who terminate their prescription prior to a doctor’s approval run the risk of worsening symptoms and creating a more difficult to treat situation. Aciphex tablets are designed to release in the body over time, and therefore they must be swallowed whole. Patients should avoid crushing the tablets and should ingest them with a full glass of water to optimize their potential medicinal benefits.