Dexlansoprazole capsule

What is dexlansoprazole?

Dexlansoprazole is used to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to heal erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid).
Dexlansoprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Dexlansoprazole can cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you have blood in your urine.
Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it.
Dexlansoprazole may cause new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Tell your doctor if you have joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.
You may be more likely to have a broken bone while taking dexlansoprazole long term or more than once per day.

Before taking this medicine

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to dexlansoprazole, or if:

• you had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking this medicine in the past; or
• you also take a medicine that contains rilpivirine (Complera, Edurant, Odefsey).
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
• severe liver disease;
• osteoporosis;
• low bone mineral density (osteopenia); or
• low levels of magnesium in your blood.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrist, or spine while taking a proton pump inhibitor long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.
Dexlansoprazole may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Dexlansoprazole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I take dexlansoprazole?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take dexlansoprazole with a full glass of water.
Dexlansoprazole may be taken with or without food.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.
To heal erosive esophagitis and relieve heartburn, dexlansoprazole is usually given for up to 6 months in adults, and for 4 to 16 weeks in children ages 12 through 17. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using dexlansoprazole.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using dexlansoprazole.
Dexlansoprazole may also affect a drug-screening urine test and you may have false results. Tell the laboratory staff that you use dexlansoprazole.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I avoid while taking dexlansoprazole?

dexlansoprazole can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Dexlansoprazole side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• sudden pain or trouble moving your hip, wrist, or back;
• kidney problems-- fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, weight gain;
• low magnesium--dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking) or jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling; or
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Taking dexlansoprazole long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.
If you use dexlansoprazole for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you develop it.
Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas;
• diarrhea;
• headache;
• mouth pain, sore throat; or
• stuffy nose, sinus pain, or other cold symptoms.

What other drugs will affect dexlansoprazole?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect dexlansoprazole, especially:

• methotrexate;
• rifampin;
• St. John's wort; or
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect dexlansoprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.