Aciphex (rabeprazole) is a prescription medication that belongs to a classification of medication known as proton pump inhibitor. This medication works by lowering the level of acid in your stomach. Aciphex is prescribed as a short-term treatment for patients who suffer from symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and certain conditions that involve excessive stomach acid.

Aciphex is a prescription medication and should specifically be taken exactly as your prescribing doctor instructed you to. This medication is only intended to be used as treatment for a short period of time, between four and eight weeks. Do not continue past this length of treatment unless explicitly instructed to by your doctor.

Speak to your doctor whether to take your medication with or without food, as this may vary depending on your medical circumstance.

Aciphex tablets are intended to be swallowed whole, without being tampered with. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablets.

Even if you notice rapid improvements to your symptoms, do not stop your treatment until the full allotted time for your treatment has passed. If your symptoms do not show signs of improvement, or you notice your symptoms worsening, notify your doctor immediately.

To ensure that Aciphex is safe for you to use, discuss with your doctor regarding your medical history if you’ve ever had:

• Liver disease

• Osteoporosis or low bone mineral density

• Lupus

• Low magnesium levels in the blood

Aciphex is not safe for you to use if the following apply to you:

• You take medication that contains rilpivirine

• If you are allergic to medications similar to rabeprazole

Please note: Aciphex has a potential risk of causing complications with your kidneys. If you notice that you are urinating less frequently or there is blood in your urine. Aciphex also may raise the potential risk of you fracturing your hip, wrist, or spine.

The common side effects of aciphex may include:

• Headache

• Nausea, vomiting

• Diarrhea, constipation

• Stomach pain

There are more serious side effects of aciphex that are less common. These may include:

• Severe stomach pain

• Watery or blood diarrhea

• Seizure

• Kidney problems

• New or worsening symptoms of lupus

• Low magnesium

• Signs of bleeding

If you notice any of the less common side effects, you should inform your doctor of this at once.

Are they any medications that might have a negative interaction with Aciphex?

Yes, there are many other medications that can interact poorly with the use of Aciphex. The most common ones that are known to interact badly are digoxin, methotrexate, and warfarin.

Can I use anti-diarrhea medication while using Aciphex?

You should always consult with your prescribing doctor before using anti-diarrhea medication while using Aciphex.