Aciphex (Rabeprazole) is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat and stomach) in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Rabeprazole is used to treat damage from GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus in adults. Rabeprazole is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults. Rabeprazole is used to treat ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine) and is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacteria that causes ulcers in adults. Rabeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. You may take this medicine with or without food.

For children using the delayed-release capsules:

• Do not swallow the capsule whole.
• Take the capsule 30 minutes before a meal.
• Open the capsule and pour the contents on a small amount of soft food (eg, applesauce, fruit or vegetable baby food, yogurt) or in a small amount of liquid (eg, infant formula, apple juice, or pediatric electrolyte solution (Pedialyte®).
• Take the mixture within 15 minutes. Swallow the mixture without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

Before taking rabeprazole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: certain antibiotics, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), atazanavir (Reyataz), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), dasatinib (Sprycel), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'), erlotinib (Tarceva), itraconazole (Onmel, Sporonox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), iron supplements, methotrexate (Trexall, Xatmep), mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept), nelfinavir (Viracept), nilotinib (Tasigna), saquinavir (Invirase), and tacrolimus (Prograftell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium in your blood, low levels of vitamin B-12 in your body, osteoporosis, an autoimmune disease (condition in which the body attacks its own organs, causing swelling and loss of function) such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or liver disease
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking rabeprazole, call your doctor

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

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately, or get emergency medical help:

• blistering or peeling skin rash/hives
• swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
• dizziness/seizures muscle spasms, cramps, or weakness

People who take proton pump inhibitors such as rabeprazole may be more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do not take one of these medications. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking rabeprazole.

Q: What is this medicine?

A: Aciphex (rabeprazole) prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), certain ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.

Q: What should I watch for while using this medicine?

A: It can take several days before your stomach pain gets better. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better, or if it gets worse. This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B12. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B12 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

Q: What special dietary instructions should I follow?

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