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. Rabeprazole (Generic) is also available for purchase. 

Rabeprazole comes as a delayed-release (releases the medication in the intestine to prevent break-down of the medication by stomach acids) tablet and a delayed-release sprinkle capsule (capsule that contains small granules of medication that are sprinkled on food or liquid) to take by mouth. The delayed-release tablets are usually taken once a day. When used to treat ulcers, rabeprazole tablets are taken after the morning meal. When used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, rabeprazole tablets are taken twice a day, with the morning and evening meals, for 7 days. Rabeprazole sprinkle capsules are usually taken once a day 30 minutes before a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take rabeprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with water; do not split, chew, or crush them. To take the sprinkle capsules, open a capsule and sprinkle the granules onto a small amount of cool soft food such as applesauce, fruit or vegetable baby food, or yogurt and swallow the mixture immediately (within 15 minutes) without chewing or crushing the granules. You can also open a capsule and pour the contents into a small amount of cool liquid such as infant formula, apple juice, or pediatric electrolyte solution and swallow the mixture immediately (within 15 minutes) without chewing or crushing the granules. Continue to take rabeprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking rabeprazole without talking to your doctor.

If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor.

Before taking rabeprazole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to rabeprazole, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid, in Previpac), omeprazole (Prilosec, in Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in rabeprazole tablets or sprinkle capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you are taking rilpivirine (Edurant, in Complera, Odefsey). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take rabeprazole if you are taking this medication.
• 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'),  iron supplements, methotrexate (Trexall, Xatmep), and many others not listed here. 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 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 including:

• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• sore throat

 Tell your doctor if these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

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
• excessive tiredness
• dizziness, lightheadedness;
• muscle spasms, cramps, or weakness;
• jitteriness
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• seizures
• severe diarrhea with watery stools, stomach pain, or fever that does not go away
• new worsening joint pain
• rash on cheeks or arms that is sensitive to sunlight
• decreased urination
• blood in the urine

Rabeprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. 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. People who take proton pump inhibitors may also develop fundic gland polys (a type of growth on the stomach lining). These risks are highest in people who take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or longer. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking rabeprazole.

Q: Why is Aciphex prescribed?

A: Aciphex is used short-term to treat symptoms of GERD in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Q: Are there any other uses for Aciphex?

A: also used in adults to promote healing of duodenal ulcers or erosive esophagitis 

Q: Is Aciphex for treating heartburn once you have it?

A: No, it is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Q: Does Aciphex have a generic alternative?

A: Rabeprazole (Generic) is also available for purchase at a lower cost than the brand.

Q: What if I miss a dose of Aciphex?

A: 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.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: 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 sunlight, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).