Aciphex is used for:

Treating duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive or ulcerative GERD, and a condition where pancreatic tumors cause over-production of gastric acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). It also may be used with certain antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Aciphex is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by reducing gastric acid secretion by blocking the final step of acid production by the stomach lining.

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.

Before using Aciphex :

Some medical conditions may interact with Aciphex. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have severe liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Aciphex. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole, voriconazole) because actions and side effects of Aciphex may be increased
• HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir) or imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole) because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased
• Warfarin because side effects, such as bleeding may be increased by Aciphex

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Aciphex may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Aciphex :

Use Aciphex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Aciphex may be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, chew, crush, or split the tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets, consult your doctor or pharmacist for other suggestions on how to take the medicine.
• You should not take Aciphex within 2 hours of an imidazole (eg, ketoconazole). This will help minimize the drug interaction between these 2 medicines.
• If you miss a dose of Aciphex and are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aciphex.

Important safety information:

• Aciphex may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sun lamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Aciphex. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• LAB TESTS may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Aciphex during pregnancy. It is unknown if Aciphex is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Aciphex.

Possible side effects of Aciphex :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Headache.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.