Rabeprazole

What is this medication for?

Rabeprazole is used to treat various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract including:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, a condition where the acid from the stomach goes back up the food tube and throat, causing heartburn and pain.
• Ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract (treatment and prevention).

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Tablets should be swallowed whole (not chewed or crushed) with water and may be taken with or without 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. Then 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.
• If symptoms (including abdominal pain) persist despite taking this medicine or you develop bloody stool (including blackened stool) or blood-stained vomit or unexplained weight loss inform your healthcare professional.
• Inform your healthcare professional if you experience muscle cramps, dizziness or shaking as this may indicate low levels of magnesium caused by this medication.
• Inform your healthcare professional if you have persistent watery or bloody stools as this medication may increase your risk of developing diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile, a type of bacteria.
• Inform your healthcare professional if you have osteoporosis (weakening of bones) as this medication may increase your risk of bone fractures.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Side effects of rabeprazole include headaches, dizziness, insomnia, gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting and wind), cough, sore throat, runny nose and non-specific or back pain.

• If persistent, please consult your healthcare professional.

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

Furthermore, unusual symptoms such as muscle spasms (tetany), palpitations, dizziness and seizures may be a sign of low magnesium in the body.

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

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

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medications, supplements or traditional and herbal medications.

This includes:

• Medications used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Antifungal medications (e.g. ketoconazole)
• Other medicines such as methotrexate and digoxin

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 into the rubbish chute or bin.

What else should I know about this medication? 

The length of treatment with rabeprazole 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 rabeprazole. 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 rabeprazole 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 rabeprazole 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 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.