Aciphex (Rabeprazole)

Do's

• Take the dose of Aciphex tablets by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually 1 to 2 times daily. 
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. 
• Take capsules 30 minutes before a meal as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once a day. 
• Open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a small amount of soft food (such as applesauce or yogurt) or liquid. The food or liquid used should be at or below room temperature. 
• Swallow the entire mixture within 15 minutes of preparing it. 
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. 
• Take the medication at the same time(s) each day to help remember. 
• Continue taking the medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if feeling better. 
• Take antacids along with the medication if needed, following your healthcare provider's instructions. 
• Take Aciphex at least 30 minutes before sucralfate if taking the latter as well. 
• Follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider for the safe and effective use of Aciphex. 
• Consult with your healthcare provider for clarification if you have any questions or uncertainties about the medication. 

Don'ts

• Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet as it can release all the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. 
• Don't swallow the capsule whole. 
• Don't chew or crush the prepared mixture of capsule contents with food or liquid. 

The dosage, administration, and length of treatment of Aciphex depend on the form of medication being used, specific medical conditions being treated, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight. 

Common Side Effects:

• Rash or itching
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nervousness

Less Common but More Serious Side Effects:

• Liver damage (hepatitis)
• Abnormal brain function or structure (encephalopathy)
• Dizziness

Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions, and patients on warfarin or other medications may need to be monitored more closely by their healthcare provider. The risk of side effects may increase over time; consult a healthcare provider regarding the duration of the medication.

Store Aciphex at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Properly discard the product when it is expired or no longer needed.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with the use of nearly all antibacterial agents. For more information specific to antibacterial agents indicated for use in combination with Aciphex, refer to the warnings and precautions sections of the corresponding prescribing information.

Patients or caregivers should report any fractures, especially of the hip, wrist, or spine, to the healthcare provider. Discontinue Aciphex and report any signs and symptoms of a severe cutaneous adverse reaction or other signs of hypersensitivity to the healthcare provider.

Report any clinical symptoms that may be associated with cyanocobalamin deficiency to the healthcare provider if receiving Aciphex for longer than 3 years.

Aciphex should not be used if allergic to rabeprazole or similar medicines. It has not been studied in nursing women. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors like Aciphex may affect the body's ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, and other important nutrients, potentially increasing the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, acute interstitial nephritis, kidney failure, and other serious side effects.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure the information applies to individual circumstances.