What is Aciphex?

Aciphex is an oral medication belonging to the proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) family. The active ingredient is Rabeprazole and can be bought by itself as a generic alternative at a lower cost than the brand name. The administration is a delayed release, enteric-coated tablet and is available in 10MG and 20MG dosages.

What is Aciphex used for?

Aciphex is used as a short-term treatment for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is also used to treat conditions that involve excessive amounts of stomach acid (like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), to assist in the healing of damage to your esophagus caused by stomach acid (erosive esophagitis) and in some cases, given with antibiotics to prevent duodenal ulcers (caused by infection).

Rabeprazole decreases the amount of acid that your stomach creates to help resolve symptoms that follow excess stomach acid.

Swallow whole, do not chew, crush or split tablet.

Follow directions given by your doctor.

Healing of Erosive or Ulcerative Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Take with or without food. 20MG once daily for 4 – 8 weeks

Maintenance of Healing of Erosive or Ulcerative GERD

Take with or without food. 20MG once daily for no longer than 12 months

Symptomatic GERD in Adults

Take with or without food. 20MG once daily up to 4 weeks

Healing of Duodenal Ulcers

Take after meal. 20MG once daily up to 4 weeks

Pathological Hypersecretory Conditions, Including Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Take with or without food. Start with 60MG once daily, adjust as needed; some patients may need to divide dosages. Continue for as long as clinically needed up to one year.

Pediatric Symptomatic GERD

Take it with or without food. 20MG once daily for up to 8 weeks

Heartburn can mimic the early signs of a heart attack. If you feel anxious or lightheaded followed by a pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder, seek medical attention immediately

Tell your doctor if you have or have previously had:

-an allergy to rabeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, or any other drugs

-a medical history of liver disease or lupus

-a surgery scheduled or plan on having surgery soon

-a baby on the way or plan on becoming pregnant

-osteoporosis or osteopenia

-low levels of magnesium

Tell your doctor if you take:

-Warfarin

-Edurant

-Complera

-Medicine that contains rilpivirine

Common Side Effects:

-Headache

-Nausea

-Stomach pain

-Diarrhea

-Constipation

Speak to your doctor if:

-Irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, and seizures (signs of low magnesium)

-Rash on nose and cheeks as well as new or worsening joint pain (signs of lupus)

-Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing (signs of allergic reaction)

-Change in amount of urination (signs of kidney problems)

What is Aciphex Medication?

Aciphex is a prescription medication; it must be prescribed to you by a doctor. Aciphex, which is called Pariet outside of the United States, comes as an oral tablet in two different strengths; 10 and 20mg. This medication has a generic alternative available for purchase which can be purchased in both strengths as well. We carry both the brand and generic choice of Aciphex at My Drug Center.

What is the generic name for Aciphex?

The generic alternative for Aciphex is called rabeprazole; this is the active ingredient found inside each tablet. Rabeprazole is what makes Aciphex and its generic alternative therapeutically effective.

What is Rabeprazole?

Rabeprazole is a gastrointestinal agent; these types of drugs have an effect on the gastrointestinal system. Each gastrointestinal agent is divided into specific drug classes based on their mechanism of action; rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by irreversibly blocking the gastric proton pump found in the stomach, preventing the final stage of stomach acid production. Rabeprazole is a drug which is metabolized in the liver, creating multiple metabolites during the process, and is excreted through the kidneys as 90% metabolites.

What is Rabeprazole used for?

Rabeprazole is used for gastrointestinal diseases; these are conditions that affect the stomach, small and large intestine, rectum, as well as the organs which help with digestion (liver, gallbladder, and pancreas).  Aciphex is most commonly used for the treatment or maintenance of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in both children and adults; this is a condition that causes stomach acid (and sometimes other stomach contents) to flow back up into the esophagus causing damage and symptoms like heartburn. Additionally, this medication is also used for duodenal ulcers; these are sores that develop in the upper portion of the small intestine and the lining on the inside of your stomach.

When is the best time to take Aciphex?

Your doctor will be able to tell you when the best time is to take your dose. It is important to follow your doctor’s directions very carefully. It may depend on what indication you are treating. For the treatment of ulcers; it is typically suggested to take your tablet after a meal. For other indications; you may take the tablet with or without food, as directed by your doctor.

Aciphex how to take?

Your doctor will go over how you should correctly take Aciphex when prescribing it to you; it is important you follow those directions very carefully. In general, Aciphex tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split in half; you must swallow the tablet whole. You may take this medication with or without food, as long as your doctor hasn’t set any restrictions or specific instructions. If you are still unsure, speak with your doctor before starting treatment.

What are the side effects of Aciphex?

The most common side effects of Aciphex may include headache, pain, sore throat, gas, or constipation. For pediatric patients, common side effects may include stomach pain, diarrhea, or headache. There may be other side effects not listed here; speak with your doctor to learn more about the side effects of rabeprazole (Aciphex).

What is the cost of Aciphex?

In the United States, Aciphex can be considered an expensive medication. Why is Aciphex so expensive? There could be a few different possibilities; however, Aciphex isn’t expensive everywhere. Such as at My Drug Center; we carry rabeprazole for as low as $54.00 when you buy a supply of 90 – 10mg tablets; in the United States, a similar supply would cost you $350.00+ more than our price.

Who makes Aciphex?

The brand-name medication Aciphex is manufactured by Eisai, a Japanese pharmaceutical company, which was the first to develop Aciphex. Today, it is co-marketed in the United States by Eisai and Janssen Pharmaceutica.