Aciphex

The below information on Aciphex has been taken from official FDA sources, but we cannot guarantee it's accuracy. Please use this site for educational purposes only. This site does not replace a proper discussion with your doctor.


    Brand Name:Aciphex
    Generic:Rabeprazole Sodium
    Availability:Prescription
This drug was approved by the FDA in one form or another on:
1999-08-19 ,
This drug is made in one form or another by the following companies:
Eisai Inc.
This drug is available in the following forms:
Tablets
View the actual FDA approved label for this drug at the following links:
PDF Label

About Aciphex

Aciphex is used for:

  • short-term healing of a gradual breakdown (erosion) or sore (ulceration) in the esophagus which may be caused by the backward flow of gastric acid from the stomach into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD);
  • maintenance of healing of erosive or ulcerative GERD;
  • treatment of daytime and nighttime heartburn and other symptoms associated with GERD;
  • short-term (up to 4 weeks) healing of an ulcer in the duodenum;
  • elimination of Helicobacter pylori, in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin, to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence in patients with a current duodenal ulcer or a duodenal ulcer in the past 5 years;
  • medical conditions that result in the body secreting too much acid, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Precautions for Aciphex

Aciphex does not work for everyone. Improvement in your symptoms does not prevent you from having other stomach-related medical conditions.

Side Effects of Aciphex

Aciphex is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect is headache.

Your health care provider can discuss with you a complete list of possible side effects.

For more detailed information about Aciphex, ask your health care provider.

Who Should Not Take Aciphex

Do NOT use Aciphex if:

  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Aciphex

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Interactions with Aciphex

If Aciphex is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increase, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining AcipHex with the following:

  • Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin)
  • Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  • Warfarin (Coumadin)
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User Comments and Reviews:
Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 10.0000
I have been on Aciphex for one week, it has helped with the burning under my breast bone. However, I have started to have cramping in my lower stomach. Anyone else had a problem .
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Debbie aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: 6.7500
I've taken this for several months now with no side effects. I had taken Nexium before and it was okay, but gave me stomach cramps sometimes. Aciphex has really helped me a lot. My biggest problem is the cost.
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Anita Comment May 12th, 2008 Rating: 4.6667
I just started taking Aciphex last week. My doctor prescribe it to me because I have been having incredible chest pains. Over the past three years I have had to deal with these pains. After two days of taking this medicine my pains have disappeard. Finally. I have experienced some side effects: headaches, leg cramps and sleeplessness.
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marilyn aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: 3.9000
I was recntly diagnosed with GERD after suffereing from severe heartburn and stomach pain after going to the er i had been prescribed aciphex previously never took it, but they gave me over the counter pepcid it did nothing to me, so i decided to take the aciphex my pcp had prescribed i have been using for 2 months now i have no side effects and it is wonderful i feel so much better now and i just have to watch what i eat but other than that aciphex saved me!! but is that true that a prolongue use of aciphex can be dangerous.
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Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 3.6667
I have been on Aciphex for a little over a month now. I have noticed a large increase in the phlem in the back of my throat. It seems like I am constantly having to swallow. In turn, making me sick at my stomach. I was just wondering if this is a common side affect of aciphex
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Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 3.5714
Yesterday I had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy. The doctor said that I had esophagitis,gastritis and diverticulosis. He prescribed Aciphex. I have no pain or discomfort in my esophagus, stomach or bowels. Why do I need to take this medication?
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Natalie Aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: 2.5000
I have been taking 40mg Aciphex for 1 month for suspected GERD. 20mg just doesn't work for me. The heartburn pain is daily and overwhelming. I just had an endoscopy that showed absolutely nothing wrong. The GI dr. blew me off and said there was no evidence of reflux and referred me back to my primary physician. I'm happy there's no damage...BUT...I still have daily heartburn pain. I've added 225mg. Zantac to my daily meds. The heartburn is better but still there and if I try to go down to 20mg. it returns as strong as ever. I use antacids daily which help but the liquid antacids give me diarrhea. I'm frustrated.
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Anonymous acid reflux May 12th, 2008 Rating: 1.5000
perscribed by doctor for acid reflux and since taking aciphex 20mg have had limited vomiting of acid. Compared to one to four times per week, now once or twice in two weeks. Greatly increased my sleep and daily routine.
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On this med 2 reply on why May 12th, 2008 Rating: 0.5000
Hi, I am not a doctor but the reason I can come up with is treatment of this medicine wil lower your risk of an attack. it's kind of like treat the problem before it occures. Diverticulosis can really be bother some and hopefully this medicine will coat any conditions. Good Luck!
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Karen No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 0.0000
I have had these symptoms sometimes 2 or 3 times a week: I feel faint, with a constricting feeling under my breast bone. No pain. I have worn a Holter monitor for 24 hrs with a negative result. I have had a stress test with negative results. Meaning no problem with my heart. My doctor recently prescribed Aciphex, to be taken for 2 weeks for this. Any comments?
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Debbie No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 0.0000
I am currently taking Serzone and just read that I should not take any heartburn medication while using Serzone. Is aciphex dangerous for me, if so why, what are the dangers and what are the symptoms that I would be having if there were a problem from using the Serzone and aciphex at the same time? Thanks
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Carol Aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: 0.0000

I was started on Aciphex after taking Prilosec for
about 2 years. The effects of the Prilosec wore off
and it was no longer effective. The Aciphex works like magic, but I was unaware that it was only to be taken
as a "short term" remedy. Should I question my doctor
about this? Can it be harmful? I have been told that
my problem stems from taking Theo-dur for asthma, this
relaxes the esophagus and allows the acid reflus to
rush up my esphague..very painful and distressing to
me.
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gerry dee No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 0.0000

aciphex helping me. havent had reflux for 3 weeks... nexium caused severe cramps so my doctor switched my rx.. i have gerd and also " barretts change".... wonder if i will be able to use this medicaton for long term use.
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Lynda No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: 0.0000
My insurance company will not cover aciphex until I've exhausted all other similar meds. Thankfully my doc gives me samples till this "experiment" is over. Aciphex has proven to be the only relief I receive from GERD
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Sick Stomach Aciphex - Prevacid- - - - May 12th, 2008 Rating: 0.0000
Took Pepcid, Aciphex, Prevacid for over 3 months still have nausea with attacks of extreme nausea and tightness into throat. Heart OK, endoscopy, colonoscopy, CAT scans, ultrasound all negative. Treadmill didn't bother stomach. Attacks of extreme nausea bring fatigue, sometimes lightheaded and last twenty minutes to 2 hours. Onset is unpredictable. Absolutely miserable. Pcp, Cardio.and Gastro. M.D.'s haven't helped. So what now? In desperation have been researching everything I can find. Merck manuals,publications and internet. Pancreatitis? Found words idiopathic, histrionic, psychogenic all to do with gastro problems when they can't find anything and don't know what to do. I suppose that will be next. Will see doc again soon. If nothing, does any one know any good primative medicine? I'm not giving up.
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Anonymous Aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
My doctor prescribed aciphex for me when I was diagnosed with mono. When I had mono, I could not eat, the site, smell and thought of food made me nauseus, and if I ate, my stomach was upset thereafter. After taking aciphex I was able to eat whatever I wanted and did not feel naseua after eating.
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Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I used aciphex for avout 2 weeks. I feel much better thatn I did before, However, salivation has increased.
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kim s acid reflux May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I was prescribed aciphex about 1 1/2 months ago for acid reflux, I take 150 mg every day. Finaaly, it now seems to work well. There is an over the counter brand that is the generic of it called Ranitidine, but it only comes in 75 mg. Does anyone else take this high of dosage?
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Lynn No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
Aciphex gave me a cramp in my thigh at night, and also sometimes a headache, neck ache, or pains in my hands and feet (but only at night when trying to sleep for some reason). It did help my reflux pain but I had to switch to Protonix to avoid these side effects.
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Nancy just started aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
hi i just started taking aciphex today, doctor gave me this to take along with an anti-inflammatory drug, which would ALWAYS upset my stomach. I can't take those drugs, like advil, motrin aspirin since I had an ulcer along time ago. They really upset my stomach. So he gave me Bextra for my back pain and arthritis. and also Aciphex to calm my stomach, and I AM SO HAPPY IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!! My arthritis and back pain is feeling better and my stomach feels fine. Anyone else in this boat?
thanks, Nancy
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Kourteney Aciphex... May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I have been on Aciphex now for about a month..I take 40 mg. twice a day with a 350 mg. Zantac at noon. I have noticed a clear difference with my acid production. It no longer keeps me awake at night; jsut the morning. The amount of acid/bile that I regurgitate has decreased also. The side effects for me have been limited to only headaches which is better that the severe causes of nausea and vomitting i was having. I recently switched to this medication after taking all other acid reducers: Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix and I will say that this is best. I have been diagnosed with Barrets Esophagus, pre-cancerous cells on both teh stomach and the esophagus, and have Gastro-Pareisis (paralization of the stomach). So, I truly reccommend this product. If oyu have any further questions feel free to email me.
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Sick Stomach Acid Blockers May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
Has anyone had pancreatitis associated with taking Aciphex or other acid blockers?
 Rate This Comment:
Jill Smith Asiphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
Asiphex is the best medicine ever. I've had a sick stomach since I was 12 years old and it cured me after only 12 days. Man it is cool. I'll be 18 next year and will be able to go to the doctor and get some more by myself. I'm looking forward to taking some for the rest of my life. I recommend it for everyone.
 Rate This Comment:
Beth Why not long term? May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
Hi,

My Mother takes Aciphex, long term though, would someone mind E-mailing me why this should only be taken short-term? She has been on it for about 7 months now and I am alittle worried after reading it is only for short-term usage.

I was also considering it, I also have a wonderful (yeah right) insurance company that makes me go through "expereiments" also before getting the drug that my doctor prescribes, they refused Nexium and put me on over the counter Prilo. why? Because it is cheaper! Ahh!

Thanks for any help!

Beth:)
 Rate This Comment:
Stan Aciphex and Edema May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
Has anyone noticed "peripheral edema" while on a regimen of Aciphex? Where your feet and ankles (and legs) retain water?
 Rate This Comment:
Patty Sudden onset of burning in the throat area. May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
My doctor prescribed me aciphex after I went to her with a very bad burning sensation in the throat area in wich was a very sudden onset, nothing I did would help except I noticed drinking very cold stuff eased the pain only for a few minutes at a time. Nothing over the counter worked.Aciphex definately helps, however I was tested for H.Pylori and it came back posotive, I was treated with what is called the prev-pack for 14 days, after finishing the prev-pack and all of the aciphex the symptoms returned after a day. Now I am going to have an EGD done, but I am worried about what this could be. Could the sudden onset of this be something that has ruptured, could it possibly be a hiatal hernia, I just dont know. I have had other symptoms within the past year such as having trouble breathing at times, I have went to the ER, and a couple of doctors and they just tell me its anxiety.
 Rate This Comment:
Annony No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
Was on Aciphex.. or here in Canada , its called Pariet. Supposed to be on it 3 months for this coughing, the specialist felt it was GERD.It's nothing that a Tums or two won't take care of. I took it one only month. The Aciphex gave me very loose stools for the entire time. And didn't clear up for another 6 weeks after I finished..no other side effects noted. Thankfully !
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Rose D No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I had sharp chest pain and made an appointment with my doctor. He said it could be acid reflux disease. Took Aciphex for one day only and feeling so much better.
 Rate This Comment:
helene just started aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I just started aciphex yesturday, March 9,2004. I have been experiencing chest pains and back pains along with mild heartburn. Last year I was on Omeprazole up until last week. The pain in my chest was so painfull. My doctor now put me on this. He told me it would take a couple of weeks to see if it will work. I sure hope this one helps!
 Rate This Comment:
Mikey good May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
aciphex realy tastes good and i eat one after evry meal yummy
 Rate This Comment:
Dana hiatal hernia & gerd May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I was diagnosed with GERD and hiatal hernia after endoscopy procedure. I am somewhat better but still have some shortness of breath. Very scary stuff!! Any ideas???
 Rate This Comment:
Anonymous No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I was diagnosed with chronic gastritis about 1 month ago. My doctor put me on 20mg of Aciphex which I have been taking for about 4 weeks. My main problems before I started taking this medication were indigestion, loss of appetite, chest pain and feeling nauseus. Since I started taking Aciphex, I have felt much better but just the last few days I feel like I relapsed into feeling sick again. Does this mean that this might not be working for me? Is Aciphex the best choice for my condition?
 Rate This Comment:
Amber No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I just started Aciphex 20mg two days ago for Paradoxal Vocal Cord Motion, GERD, and uper airway sensitivity. So far, the acid reflux thing has been great. I don't have such horrible heartburn. I have had severe headaches, but Tylenol usually takes care of those (4 extra strength pills). Can this be taken for long term care?
I used to be on Prevacid, but I was vomiting every time I took it. Nexium did not work very well, and Zantac was too expensive, as I took 425mg up to twice a day.
 Rate This Comment:
Annie Aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
Doctor prescribed Aciphex for difficulty swallowing due to reflux acid up to larynx and pharynx. Started to work but about 5 days after taking this I developed a swollen and sore tongue and severely dry mouth. Had to stop taking. They switched me to Protonix and same thing happened. I need to have PPI drugs but I am afraid to start another one. Swollen tongue incident was very scary.
 Rate This Comment:
Kathyz No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I've had good results with aciphex. I had stage 2 GERD. I started with Nexium, but went to aciphex because my insurance carrier suggested it. I started taking 20mg once a day but now take it twice. No side effects. It does a good job. I have tried stopping it a couple of times to see if I needed it, but the reflux came back. So, I'm happy with it, as long as I have insurance. Otherwise, it would be a real problem to afford it.
 Rate This Comment:
Anonymous aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I have reflux disease and resultant asthma. I was given
Aciphex by my gastroenterologist; it caused severe epigastric pain, accompanied by panic attacks. Nexium also caused epigastric pain, but without the panic attacks. Only Protonix relieved the heartburn without very uncomfortable side-effects. I still get reflux; it's just not so acidic.
 Rate This Comment:
Paul Aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I'd like to slap the doctor who removed my hyatial (sp) 'ring'... sure it was hard to swallow when I didn't chew well or eat slowly, but at least those were healthy eating habits an were much better compared to the daily dose of aciphex i'm doomed to take for the rest of my life. I truly believe these doctors get some sort of kick-back for starting people on expensive drugs and that they are interested in 'maintaining' people (revenue) rather than curing them. I hate being on this pill, and I hate the side-effects, and am searching for natural methods and lifestyle to control my reflux. The long term effects of this drug have not been studied past five years, yet doctors encourage people to become dependent on it rather than help people change to a diet and lifestyle that would control their reflux naturally. Whenever I ask a doctor about controlling reflux naturally, I get a blank stare (deer caught in headlights), as if I've committed a mortal sin by suggesting that pills are not the ultimate answer to every malady. Anyway, enough of my rant, if any of you have successfully been rehabed from the refulx pill addiction culture through natural methods please let me know. M 36 6 years on aciphex paulsmith94065@yahoo.com

 Rate This Comment:
Bob Aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
It has been a life saver with me. I have been on it for 6-7 years now, with no side effects. I had gerd so bad that a glass of water would trigger heartburn. As long as I take my pills daily I can live a normal and healthy life, able to eat what I want.
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Ruth Aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
i have been taking asiphex for 2 years fo GERD and hiatal hernia and have no side effects from it. it does wonders for me, no reflux or pain any more, thats a relief.
 Rate This Comment:
Scott No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I have been on aciphex for about a year now. It has worked with
no problems. Here lately I have been experiencing a growling rumbling stomach. It gets to be so loud it wakes me at night. I have also been
having trouble sleeping. Any ideas???
 Rate This Comment:
Bell AcipHex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
OK i just wanna know if i'm supposed to eat with this pill i dont know what to do because if i dont eat with it something might go wrong and if i do the same thing... some one help me please
 Rate This Comment:
Wyn No Subject May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I was given samples of Aciphex by my doctor to try. He believed I had GERD. Within two days I developed itchy skin and sun sensitivity. My new doctor prescribed Ranitidine which has the same result. I don't appear to be capable of taking any of these drugs. I am allergic to Aciphex, Ranitidine, Nexium, Prilosec etc.
I am going it drug-free now. The side effects such as increased risk of pneumonia really scare me. Having had pneumonia once, I refuse to take a drug which can make me that sick.
So far, my low-fat,no-acid, no coffee, no tomato diet seems to really work. I know its a pain to give up foods I love, but its better than being sick.
 Rate This Comment:
Elle Aciphex May 12th, 2008 Rating: Not Rated
I started taking Aciphex about four days ago and I have felt a small amount of relief from chronic gas pains and discomfort (e.g., burning, sharp pains). I am wondering how long does this medication generally take before significant relief is generally felt?
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