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Aciphex or generic Rabeprazole is a prescription medication used in the management of a number of conditions that may result from an excess of stomach acid. Both Aciphex and Aciphex generics belong to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors.
Proton pump inhibitors work by limiting the activity of glands found in the lining of the stomach. These glands play a role in producing stomach acid. When their activity is reduced, so is the amount of stomach acid that a person's body produces.
People who are dealing with conditions related to an excess of stomach acid may be prescribed Aciphex or generic Rabeprazole. One of the most common conditions in this category is gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. People may also be prescribed Aciphex if they're dealing with lesions in the esophagus and/or stomach or for other conditions as determined by a medical professional.
What is Aciphex used for? As noted above, Aciphex or generic Rabeprazole may be used in the management of several conditions that stem from an excess of stomach acid.
For instance, Aciphex (particularly Aciphex 20) may be used for the short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. It has been shown to be effective for both erosive GERD (in which erosion to the esophagus is present) and symptomatic GERD, which is characterized by heartburn symptoms (such as belching) but not erosion to the esophagus.
Aciphex may also be used to support the healing of duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, or erosive esophagitis, which is damage to the esophagus that results from excessive stomach acid.
In conjunction with antibiotics, Aciphex or generic Rabeprazole may be prescribed to help eliminate a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori from the stomachs of people who have peptic ulcers.
Aciphex is sometimes used in the treatment of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a rare disorder which involves the formation of tumors in the duodenum and pancreas. If left unchecked, these tumors contribute to an overproduction of stomach acid.
Under the recommendation of a medical professional, Aciphex may also be used in the management of other conditions not listed here.
Prior to using Aciphex or generic Rabeprazole, keep the following in mind:
Possible Aciphex side effects or Rabeprazole side effects include:
Additionally, long-term use of Aciphex may result in the development of stomach growths (called fundic gland polyps), a vitamin B-12 deficiency, and/or a higher risk of broken bones (particularly in the hip, spine, or wrist).
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Consult a medical professional if you experience these or any other side effects.