Pariet

Brand Name:Pariet

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Rabeprezole is most commonly used to heal and treat the symptoms of a stomach condition called gastroeophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition, it is commonly used alone or with other medications called antibiotics to heal and treat the symptoms of stomach or duodenal ulcers. It can also be used to treat problems of the stomach caused by too much acid.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to rabeprazole or similar drugs such as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, or pantoprazole. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • problems with your liver
  • a lab test or biopsy planned for H. pylori

What about possible side effects?

This medication is generally well tolerated. However, you may experience some of the following side effects:

  • headache
  • upset stomach
  • diarrhea

Very rare and/or possibly severe side effects include:

  • skin rash
  • very rare case reports of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) have been reported - the association to the drug is unclear; call your doctor if you experience unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • an increased chance for pneumonia (community acquired)
  • low vitamin B12 levels - this may happen after taking the medication for a long period of time, especially in older adults

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes in your prescriptions and/or monitor you more closely:

  • atazanavir – may decrease the amount that can be absorbed
  • digoxin – may increase the amount that can be absorbed
  • ketoconazole or itraconzole - may decrease the amount that can be absorbed
  • some iron, calcium or zinc supplements - may decrease the amount that can be absorbed

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Other information:

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as he/she may need to make changes in your prescriptions and/or monitor you more closely:

  • atazanavir – may decrease the amount that can be absorbed
  • digoxin – may increase the amount that can be absorbed
  • ketoconazole or itraconzole - may decrease the amount that can be absorbed
  • some iron, calcium or zinc supplements - may decrease the amount that can be absorbed

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.