DESCRIPTION

Aciphex (Rabeprazole) is an Rx medication that is used to treat 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).

Rabeprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. Rabeprazole is also used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. 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. Rabeprazole is in a class of medications called proton-pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

How should this medicine be used?

Rabeprazole comes as a delayed-release (releases the medication in the intestine to prevent break-down of the medication by stomach acids) tablet to take by mouth. When rabeprazole is used to treat most conditions, it is usually taken once a day. When used to treat ulcers, rabeprazole is taken after the morning meal. When used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, rabeprazole is taken twice a day, with the morning and evening meals, for 7 days.

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.

Please remember that Rabeprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

PACKAGING

Brand Aciphex (Rabeprazole) is also called Pariet comes from Canada and is manufactured by Janssen-Ortho. Generic Rabeprazole comes from Canada and is manufactured by Sandoz. This medication is available in the both branded and generic form in doses of 10 mg and 20 mg, both in quantities of 100 tablets.

Please be advised, that Generic drugs are fully licenced and approved copies of brand-name drugs that have the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety, and strength as the original drug. In other words, their pharmacological effects are the same as those of their brand-name counterparts. We are happy (whenever we are able) to provide a choice, especially as Generic versions are generally cheaper, thereby making them more affordable and accessible!

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

And please, do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the (our) environment.

Please note that the manufacturing country and the manufacturer may vary depending on the availability.

DELIVERY

The standard shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00. Orders are normally dispatched in 2-3 working days after the order is processed. Your package will be delivered by regular mail in 10-14 business days after it is shipped out. For more information and further assistance, please feel free to Customer Service at 604-581-4000 or email us at customerservice@canadawidepharmacy.com.

SIDE-EFFECTS

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rabeprazole and call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of low magnesium such as:

• dizziness, confusion;
• fast or uneven heart rate;
• jerking muscle movements;
• feeling jittery;
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• muscle cramps, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• cough or choking feeling; or
• seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• upset stomach, mild diarrhea;
• insomnia or nervousness; or
• a rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects – especially if they are persistent.

SAFETY

Before taking rabeprazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as lansoprazole, omeprazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Inactive ingredients of the 20mg tablet are carnauba wax, crospovidone, diacetylated monoglycerides, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose phthalate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, and titanium dioxide. Iron oxide yellow is the coloring agent for the tablet coating. Iron oxide red is the ink pigment.

Rabeprazole can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• liver disease;
• low magnesium levels in your blood.

Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Get medical help right away if you have: heartburn with light-headedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss.

Proton pump inhibitors (such as rabeprazole) may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk - however, similar drugs pass into breast milk. The effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Please consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

For seniors

Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of rabeprazole.

Drugs that you should not use with rabeprazole

Do not take these drugs with rabeprazole. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in the body. Examples of these drugs include:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drugs such as atazanavir, nelfinavir, or rilpivirine.
• Using these drugs with rabeprazole can cause very low levels of these drugs in your body. As a result, they won’t work as well.

Interactions that increase your risk of side effects

Taking rabeprazole with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:

• HIV drugs such as saquinavir.
Using these drugs with rabeprazole can cause very high levels of these drugs in your body. This can result in increased side effects and toxicity.

• Warfarin
Increased side effects can include a higher INR (blood test result). This could cause abnormal bleeding. Your doctor may monitor your INR more closely.

• Cyclosporine
Your doctor may monitor your cyclosporine blood levels.

• Methotrexate
You may have increased side effects due to high levels of methotrexate in your body. Your doctor may monitor the level of methotrexate in your blood.

• Digoxin
You may have increased side effects due to high levels of digoxin in your body. Your doctor may monitor the level of digoxin in your blood.

Interactions that can make your drugs less effective

When certain drugs are used with rabeprazole, they may not work as well. This is because the amount of these drugs in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

• HIV drugs such as atazanavir, nelfinavir, and rilpivirine.
Using these drugs with rabeprazole can cause very low levels of these drugs in your body. As a result, they won’t work as well. You shouldn’t take nelfinavir or rilpivirine if you take rabeprazole.
• Antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
Your doctor may advise you to have an acidic drink, such as cola, to help your stomach absorb these drugs. Or your doctor may stop your treatment with rabeprazole while you take these drugs to make sure they work well.

• Mycophenolate mofetil
Your doctor will likely monitor your treatment with mycophenolate mofetil and may adjust your dosage.

• Iron salts
Your doctor will likely monitor your iron levels to make sure they stay in a safe range.

• Cancer drugs such as erlotinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib
Your doctor will likely monitor your body’s response to these drugs to make sure they work well.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with rabeprazole. Tell your doctor about all medications that you use – which should include prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.