Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole)

(dex'' lan soe' pra zole)

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.

Dexlansoprazole comes as a delayed-release (releases the medication in the intestine to allow some of the medication to be released about 1 hour after it is taken and some of the medication to be released 4 to 5 hours later) 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 1 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.

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 if you are taking rilpivirine (Edurant, in Complera, Odefsey). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take dexlansoprazole if you are taking this medication.
• 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: certain antibiotics, including ampicillin (Principen), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), atazanavir (Reyataz), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'); iron supplements, ketoconazole (Nizoral), methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), 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 blood or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dexlansoprazole, call your doctor.
• if you are 50 years of age or older, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take dexlansoprazole. The risk that you may develop a severe form of diarrhea caused by bacteria or that you may fracture your wrist, hip, or spine may be higher if you are an older adult.

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

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

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

• gas
• nausea
• vomiting

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

• 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
• severe diarrhea with watery stools
• stomach pain
• fever

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. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking dexlansoprazole.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain laboratory tests before and during your treatment, especially if you have severe diarrhea.. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.