Pantoprazole

What is this medication for?

Pantoprazole is used to treat and prevent acid regurgitation (e.g. a backflow of stomach acid up the throat) / gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn. 

It is also used to treat ulcers in the digestive tract or prevent ulcers caused by Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs.

How should I take or use this medication?

Do not stop taking your medication without checking without checking with your healthcare professional.

Tablets should not be crushed or chewed and should be swallowed whole with water.

Takes this medication half to one hour before food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. The take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You develop symptoms such as significant weight loss without any intent or reason, repeated vomiting and / or the vomiting of blood, difficulty swallowing or blood in the stool.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Pantoprazole is generally well-tolerated. Though uncommon, it may affect your sleep, cause headaches, dizziness, and stomach discomfort.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Rarely pantoprazole may cause low magnesium levels in the blood. This may cause tiredness, fits / seizures, dizziness, and a change in how fast your heart beats.

Long term use of pantoprazole may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency which may result in fatigue and numbness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately. 

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Pantoprazole may interact with some medicines used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) e.g. atazanavir and rilpivirine.

It may also interact with drugs used in the treatment of some cancers and other immune system related conditions such as methotrexate, acalabrutinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, dasatinib, neratinib, pazopanib and sotorasib.

It may interact with medicines used to treat certain infection including cefuroxime (antibiotic), itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole (antifungal medication) and velpatasvir (treatment for hepatitis C).

It may also interact with sulpiride which is used to treat some mental health conditions.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

What else should I know about this medication? 

The length of treatment with pantoprazole depends on your condition and how well you respond to the medication.

For heartburn and reflux symptoms:

• Most people experience relief within the first few days to weeks of starting pantoprazole. Your doctor will usually prescribe this medication for 4-8 weeks initially to allow healing.

For ulcer treatment:

• Treatment typically lasts 4-8 weeks, depending on the type and severity of the ulcer.

Some people may need to stay on pantoprazole for a long time to manage their condition, whilst others may only need this medication for a short period.

Do not stop taking or change your dose without checking with your healthcare professional. If you have been taking pantoprazole for more than a few months, discuss with your healthcare professional whether you still need it. This ensures the medication remains suitable and beneficial for you.
Important reminders:

• If your healthcare professional suggests reducing the dose, this may be done gradually to minimise the return of symptoms.
• It is normal for some people to experience a temporary return of symptoms when stopping or lowering the dose - this usually improves within a few weeks.
• During this time, your healthcare professional may suggest lifestyle measures such as avoiding spicy (or consider replacing with trigger) foods, eating smaller meals, or using antacids for temporary relief.
• Keep track of your symptoms and inform your healthcare professional.