Information about Rabeprazole (Generic Aciphex) :


Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is used for treatment of duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive or ulcerative GERD, and a condition where pancreatic tumors cause over-production of gastric acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). It reduces gastric acid secretion by blocking the final step of acid production by the stomach lining. Rabeprazole also may be administered in combination with certain antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers. Rabeprazole may be also administered to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Rabeprazole in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in Rabeprazole.

In such case it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this medicine.

Before using Rabeprazole:
Before using Rabeprazole you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have severe liver problems.

Be aware that Rabeprazole may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the next: imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole, voriconazole) because actions and the risk of side effects may be increased; HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir) or imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole) because the effectiveness of these medicines may be lowered; Warfarin because side effects, such as bleeding.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Rabeprazole:
You should use Rabeprazole as recommended by your doctor with or without food.

It is obligatory to swallow the tablets whole without breaking, chewing, crushing, or spliting the tablets. In case you have difficulty swallowing the tablets, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take Rabeprazole within 2 hours of an imidazole (eg, ketoconazole). It helps to minimize the drug interaction between these 2 medicines.

In case you miss a dose of Rabeprazole and are taking 1 dose a day, take the missed one if you remember the same day. In case you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed one and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses at once.

Important safety information:
Your eyes may be more sensitive to sunlight while taking Rabeprazole. Try to avoid exposure to the sun, sun lamps, or tanning booths. You should use a sunscreen or protective clothing in case you are not able to prevent such exposure.

Lab tests may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects while taking Rabeprazole. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you plan pregnancy you should consult with you doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Rabeprazole while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Rabeprazole passes into breast milk. Do not breast-feed a baby while using Rabeprazole.

Possible side effects of Rabeprazole:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: headache.

Seek emergency in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture. It may be different for various batches.