Generics Blog|Medical-Care News

The following information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Pronunciation

(ra BE pray zole)
Pharmacologic Category

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Substituted Benzimidazole
U.S. Brand Names

AcipHex®
Canadian Brand Names

AcipHex®, Novo-Rabeprazole EC, Pariet®, PMS-Rabeprazole, Ran-Rabeprazole, Sandoz-Rabeprazole
Mexican Brand Names

Pariet
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.
Reasons not to take this medicine

* If you have an allergy to rabeprazole or any other part of this medicine.
* Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

What is this medicine used for?

* This medicine is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.
* This medicine is used to prevent or treat gastrointestinal ulcers caused by infection.
* This medicine is used to treat syndromes caused by huge amounts of stomach acid.

How does it work?

• Rabeprazole prevents symptoms and damage to the gastrointestinal tract caused by stomach acid or infection.
How is it best taken?

* Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
* Take this medicine 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.
* Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

* Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
* If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
* Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
* Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

* If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
* Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
* Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
* Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
* Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.
What should I monitor?

* Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
* Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

* If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
* Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
* Severe dizziness or passing out.
* Severe belly pain.
* Unusual bruising or bleeding.
* Any rash.
* No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

* Store at room temperature.
* Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

* If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
* Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else’s medicine.
* Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
* Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
* Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada’s Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
* Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The best way to stave off the flu: Get vaccinated. But even if you’ve had your shot, there’s a chance you’ll still catch influenza; the vaccine is just 70 percent to 90 percent effective and protects against only the most common flu strains. If you do get sick, one of the following prescription drugs may help shorten the siege by a day or two, provided you take it within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear.
Relenza (zanamivir)
HELPS TREAT

Influenza A and B viruses (the two most common and deadly types). About $55 per course of treatment
BEST FOR

Adults (18 and older) in good health; recently approved for children 7 and up
DOSE

Inhale 10 milligrams (mg) twice daily for five days
SIDE EFFECTS

Diarrhea and nausea; some kids may develop ear infections. Not suggested for those with asthma or other respiratory disorders.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
HELPS TREAT

Influenza A and B. About $55 per course
BEST FOR

Adults in good health
DOSE

75-mg pill twice daily for five days
SIDE EFFECTS

In rare cases, nausea and vomiting
Symmetrel (amantadine)
HELPS TREAT

Influenza A; can help ward off flu if taken daily for three months in a row during flu season. About $20 per course
BEST FOR

Age 1 and older
DOSE

100 mg twice daily for seven to ten days; available in syrup or tablet form
SIDE EFFECTS

Insomnia, headache, nervousness, nausea. Not for those with hypertension; depression; or liver, kidney, or heart problems
Flumadine (rimantadine)
HELPS TREAT

Influenza A; can help ward off flu if taken daily for three consecutive months. About $40 per course
BEST FOR

Age 1 and older
DOSE

100 mg twice daily for seven to ten days; available in syrup or tablet form
SIDE EFFECTS

Headaches, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, urinary retention. Those with liver or kidney problems should use with caution
NATURAL REMEDIES

OSCILLOCOCCINUM This homeopathic preparation (available at health-food stores) is reported to help fight the flu by stimulating the immune system; it’s unproven though considered safe. Take one vial at the first sign of symptoms, then another two doses six hours apart.

ECHINACEA An ancient herbal remedy, it’s thought to boost the immune system by increasing the activity of white blood cells, which fight germs. For the flu, take three to nine dropperfuls of the tincture a day. However, it’s not suggested for women who are pregnant or nursing.

Sources: Mary Jo DiMilia, M.D., clinical assistant professor of medicine and pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, in New York City; W. Paul Glezen, M.D., professor of microbiology and pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston; Varro Tyler, Ph.D., author of The Honest Herbal.