Aciphex Rabeprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day for 4 to 8 weeks, but it is sometimes taken for a longer time. When taken for ulcers, rabeprazole should be taken after the morning meal.

ACIPHEX DRUG INGO

Rabeprazole is used to treat conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, including ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

• Take rabeprazole exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Do not break, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.
• Do not stop taking rabeprazole even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before your condition is fully treated.
• Store rabeprazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Before taking Aciphex,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Aciphex, lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin), and ketoconazole (Nizoral). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking rabeprazole, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Rabeprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• constipation
• dry mouth
• increased or decreased appetite
• muscle or bone pain
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

There may be other side effects from Aciphex. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your Aciphex. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.