Dexlansoprazole

Conditions Treated

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach). Dexlansoprazole is used to treat the symptoms of GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus. Dexlansoprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Dexlansoprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• gas
• nausea
• vomiting

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
• excessive tiredness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• muscle spasms
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• seizures

Dexlansoprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.People who take proton pump inhibitors such as dexlansoprazole may be more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do not take one of these medications. The risk is highest in people who take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or longer. The risk may also be higher in people who are 50 years of age or older. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking dexlansoprazole.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Dexlansoprazole comes as a delayed-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Dexlansoprazole may be taken with or without food, but it may provide more relief from after-meal symptoms if it is taken before a meal. Take dexlansoprazole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dexlansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. You should not chew or crush dexlansoprazole capsules. You can swallow the capsules whole, or you can open the capsule, sprinkle the contents on one tablespoon of applesauce, and swallow immediately without chewing. Continue to take dexlansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dexlansoprazole without talking to your doctor. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking dexlansoprazole, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dexlansoprazole, any other medications or any of the ingredients in dexlansoprazole capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: ampicillin (Principen), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), atazanavir (Reyataz), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'); iron supplements, ketoconazole (Nizoral), and tacrolimus (Prograf). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium in your bloodor liver disease.