Aciphex is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

AcipHex is used only in adults to treat conditions involving excessive stomach acid. It is also used in adults to promote healing of duodenal ulcers (damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid).

AcipHex may also be given with an antibiotic to prevent duodenal ulcer caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

AcipHex is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

AcipHex is used short-term to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Aciphex is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

If you take AcipHex to treat duodenal ulcers, take the medicine after a meal. If you take AcipHex to prevent ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, take the medicine with food. If you take this medicine for any other condition, you may take it with or without food.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Rabeprazole can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using rabeprazole.

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if this medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood, urine, and other laboratory tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. If you have any questions or if mild diarrheacontinues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may increase your risk of having fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. This is more likely if you take several doses per day or use it for 1 year or more. Call your doctor right away if you have severe bone pain or are unable to walk or sit normally.

This medicine may increase your risk for fundic gland polyps (abnormal tissue growth in the upper part of your stomach). This is more likely if you are receiving this medicine for more than 1 year. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• sudden pain or trouble moving your hip, wrist, or back;

• seizure (convulsions);

• kidney problems--urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, swelling, rapid weight gain;

• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight;

• Taking AcipHex long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-liver disease
-low levels of magnesium in the blood
-lupus
-an unusual or allergic reaction to rabeprazole, esomeprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.