What is the most important information I should know about Aciphex?

• Do not stop taking Aciphex even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before your condition is fully treated.
• Do not break, chew, or split the tablets. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

What is Aciphex?

• Aciphex decreases the amount of acid produced in your stomach.
• Aciphex is used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid production.
• Aciphex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Aciphex?

• Talk to your doctor before taking Aciphex if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Aciphex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have liver disease.
• Aciphex is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Aciphex without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• It is not known whether Aciphex passes into breast milk. Do not take Aciphex without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Aciphex?

• Take Aciphex 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 Aciphex even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before your condition is fully treated.
• Store Aciphex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Aciphex overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking Aciphex?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking Aciphex, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Aciphex?

• Serious side effects from Aciphex are rare. Stop taking Aciphex and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives) to Aciphex.
• Less serious side effects from Aciphex are also uncommon. Continue to take Aciphex and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • headache;
  • upset stomach or diarrhea;
  • insomnia or nervousness; or
  • a rash or itching.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Aciphex?

• Before taking Aciphex, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
  • ketoconazole (Nizoral),
  • ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen),
  • iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron, others),
  • digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), or
  • cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral).
• You may not be able to take Aciphex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Aciphex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.