Rabipen 20mg Tablet

Rabipen Tablet is used for relieving acidity and heartburn in conditions such as stomach and intestinal ulcers, acid reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. It contains rabeprazole as its active medicine. It is categorized under the class of medicines called 'Proton pump inhibitor' medications used to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

You should take this medicine preferably in the morning, 30 minutes before meals.

Dosage

Overdose

The symptoms of overdose with Rabipen Tablet are similar to the side-effects in the body. So, if you have consumed a higher dose or think you may have taken too much of the medicine, do not panic and contact your doctor as soon as possible or visit the nearby hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. It is strictly advised not to take a double dose to make up for the forgotten dose.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• In an average healthy individual, specific cells in the stomach get stimulated and release acid after intake of food. In certain individuals, these pumps secrete an excess of acids and lead to acid-related stomach problems such as ulcers.
• Rabipen Tablet blocks the activity of these micropumps in the stomach walls known as proton pumps thus acid release in the stomach decreases and this helps in the healing of ulcers and helps improve symptoms such as acidity and heartburn.

Directions for Use

• Take Rabipen Tablet as a whole with a sufficient amount of water without food.
• You should take this medicine without fail and regularly as directed by your doctor.
• You should not consume it more than what has been prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Rabipen Tablet during pregnancy?

You should not take Rabipen Tablet during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant and happen to be taking this medicine, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Rabipen Tablet while breastfeeding?

You should not take Rabipen Tablet if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe you safer alternatives.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Rabipen Tablet?

There are chances of drowsiness and dizziness with the Rabipen Tablet. Therefore, it is not advisable to drive or use heavy machinery while taking treatment with this medicine.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Rabipen Tablet?

Drinking alcohol when you are taking Rabeprazole does not affect the way this medicine works. However, you must avoid drinking large quantities of alcohol as it is known to increase acidity and can make your stomach disease worse.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have a liver function problem.
• You are experiencing symptoms like painful joints, skin rashes and tiredness.
• You are to undergo any blood test (Chromogranin A).
• You have stomach pain, indigestion and problems in swallowing.
• You have a family history of stomach cancer.
• You vomit food or blood or you are excreting black stools.
• You have a skin reaction after taking similar medicine.
• You are experiencing frequent diarrhoea.
• You are expected to take this medicine for a longer duration as there are several risks associated with that.
• The long term treatment with this medicine may lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 which can produce symptoms like pale skin, sore tongue, weakness, headache, disturbed vision and irritability.
• The long term treatment of this medicine may also weaken your bones or may slightly increase the risk of fracture.
• In some patients with ulcers, the course of this medicine may take 1 to 3 months. Do not stop the medicine on your own.
• Rabipen Tablet is not recommended for use in children.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to rabeprazole or any other ingredients of this medicine.
• If you are pregnant or think that you could be pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects

• Sleeplessness, headache, dizziness
• Cough, runny nose, sore throat
• Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea
• Stomach pain, constipation, gas
• Back pain, weakness, tiredness

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Rabipen Tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently consuming or might consume to avoid any possible interaction.
• Concomitant use of Rabipen Tablet along with medicines used to treat HIV infections like Atazanavir, Nelfinavir, Rilpivirine or use of antacids should be avoided as Rabeprazole may decrease the effectiveness of these medicines.
• There may be higher chances of getting side effects if you are consuming a medicine containing Digoxin used to treat heart failure along with Omee Capsule, especially in elderly patients.
• Concomitant use of anticoagulants like Warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding and ulcers.
• Other medicines like Methotrexate and antifungals such as Ketoconazole or Itraconazole should be used carefully, as it can alter the effects of the medicine.

Interactions with food items

Rabipen Tablet should not be taken with food or milk. You should consume it 30 minutes before food as food decreases the effectiveness of this medicine.

Storage and disposal

• Store Rabipen Tablet below 25°C, protected from moisture, sunlight and heat.
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of the expired medicine or medicine which is no longer needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should older people be cautious while using Rabipen Tablet?

Rabipen Tablet produces bone weakness and can increase the risk of getting fractures in elderly patients if taken in high doses for long term treatment.

I have diarrhoea after taking Rabipen Tablet, what should I do?

Diarrhoea is a common side effect of the Rabipen Tablet but sometimes can be serious. Rabipen Tablet reduces the gastric acid levels and can increase the bacterial count in the gut and can lead to infections. So consult your doctor immediately, in case of persistent diarrhoea. He will decide whether to continue or stop the medicine after clinical examination.

The doctor has prescribed me Rabipen Tablet for 2 months, what common precautions should I take?

The long term use of the Rabipen Tablet produces liver function disturbances, altered electrolyte (magnesium, calcium and sodium) levels and B12 deficiency. So if you experience symptoms like yellow skin and eyes, loss of appetite, nausea, itching, dizziness, fits, headache, irritability, tiredness or pale skin, visit your doctor as soon as possible. As you have been prescribed this medicine for a long duration, your doctor may advise frequent follow-ups and blood tests.

Why do I get B12 deficiency with Rabipen Tablet?

The absorption of vitamin B12 and storage of vitamin B12 in the body can get affected by the long term use of Rabeprazole. Rabeprazole causes a reduction in the absorption of vitamin B12 from the stomach due to its stomach acid, reducing effects and can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.

Can I take Rabipen Tablet empty stomach?

Yes, you can consume Rabipen Tablet on an empty stomach. You should preferably take this medicine in the morning on an empty stomach for better stomach acid regulation throughout the day.