Aciphex, the brand name for the drug rabeprazole, is taken orally as treatment against gastrointestinal disorders which involves an excessive amount of stomach acid. It is often recommended for gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD and for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and duodenal ulcers.
Heartburn and acid indigestion that manifest two or more times a week are the most popular symptoms of GERD, which is a chronic condition where in gastric acid or bile refluxes or goes up back into the esophagus or the part that links the stomach and the mouth. The physical distress it brings can disrupt a patient’s regular routine depending on its severity. Although almost all people encounter heartburn at one time or another, GERD is more serious as it attacks more frequently and it usually cannot be relieved by mere dietary changes or non-prescription drugs.
Duodenal ulcers are basically sores that form on the upper small intestine. Because of constant irritation, it is difficult for them to heal well. Duodenal, including esophageal and stomach ulcers are usually referred to as peptic ulcers. Antibiotics, in addition to a drug that inhibits acids, may have to be prescribed to patients if the ulcer is caused by a bacterium.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare, but troublesome, condition caused by tumors of the duodenum or the pancreas and bordering lymph nodes. The tumors themselves produce gastrin, which is a hormone that causes the patient’s stomach to produce an abundance of acid. Ulcers often form due to the excessive acid production. A true cure requires the removal of the tumors through surgery, but medications are often prescribed to ease the patient’s pain.
Without treatment, gastrointestinal disorders involving excess acid production can cause ulcers of the esophagus or stomach. Pain is often the symptom commonly reported to physicians. However, over time, the ulcers may lead to scarring, which may cause difficulty passing food throughout the entire digestive system, beginning with the esophagus. If they bleed internally, anemia can result or more severe complications may arise. Should the ulcers breach the intestine or stomach wall, life-threatening infections can result.
For conditions that cause the stomach to produce too much acid, patients may be treated with drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. These medications lead a decreased output of stomach acid. In some conditions, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the drugs do not provide a cure but may alleviate the pain and discomfort the patient suffers.
The probability to create secondary effects is a common ground among all kinds of medications. Although Aciphex is generally safe, users should preferably consult their physician to analyze the hazards one faces upon taking the drug. Aciphex can cause a higher chance of hip, spine and wrist fractures to those over the age of 50, patients who are on the medication for longer than a year and those who are given high doses. Intestinal problems such as loose bowel movement, gas and constipation can also be experienced. Uncommon side effects can include abrupt changes in body weight, exhaustion, fluid retention and painful urination.
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