Effects of Long-Term Aciphex Use

Aciphex is a medication used in the treatment of gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcers, esophagitis and other similar intestinal problems. The medication works by suppressing the acid production sites in the stomach, which in turn slows the production of acid in the stomach as a whole. As is the case with most medications, there are a number of side effects associated with use.

Before Using

• Consult with your doctor before beginning treatment with Aciphex if you suffer from any of the following ailments: liver disease, liver failure, allergies, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Aciphex can negatively interact with other medications, so please disclose all of your current medications to your health care professional before beginning use of this drug.

Long-Term Effects

• Some of these side effects include high blood pressure, heart attack, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, allergic reaction, weight gain, depression, glaucoma, abnormal vision and bladder infections. Although these are considered the most common long-term effects of this drug, they only affect a small number of users.

Important Safety Information

• Aciphex is classified as FDA pregnancy category B and it is unknown whether this medication will have an adverse effect on an unborn baby. It is also unknown whether this medication is excreted into breast milk, so please use extreme caution if you are breast feeding while using this drug. If you have severe liver problems, this medication may adversely effect your current treatment method.

Use

• Always use Aciphex in direct conjunction with your doctor's orders and never in dosages larger than what has been recommended on the label. This medication is administered in pill form and should be taken in dosages of 20 mg per day for the first four weeks of treatment. Aciphex should always be taken with a full glass of water and can be taken with or without food. Store this medication at room temperature and away from sources of moisture.

Warning

• If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

  If an overdose is suspected, contact the poison control center and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

  Aciphex is meant to treat the above ailments only and should never be used for any other medical purpose unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.