Treating duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive or ulcerative GERD, and a condition where pancreatic tumors cause over-production of gastric acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome). It also may be used with certain antibiotics to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It works by reducing gastric acid secretion by blocking the final step of acid production by the stomach lining.

Do NOT use Rabeprazole if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Rabeprazole

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Rabeprazole :

Some medical conditions may interact with Rabeprazole. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have severe liver problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Rabeprazole. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole, voriconazole) because actions and side effects of Rabeprazole may be increased
• HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir) or imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole) because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased
• Warfarin because side effects, such as bleeding may be increased by Rabeprazole

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Rabeprazole may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Rabeprazole :

Use Rabeprazole as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Rabeprazole may be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, chew, crush, or split the tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablets, consult your doctor or pharmacist for other suggestions on how to take the medicine.
• You should not take Rabeprazole within 2 hours of an imidazole (eg, ketoconazole). This will help minimize the drug interaction between these 2 medicines.
• If you miss a dose of Rabeprazole and are taking 1 dose daily, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Rabeprazole.

Important safety information:

• Rabeprazole may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sun lamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Rabeprazole. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• LAB TESTS may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Rabeprazole during pregnancy. It is unknown if Rabeprazole is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Rabeprazole.

Possible side effects of Rabeprazole :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Headache.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).