What is dexlansoprazole?
Dexlansoprazole is in a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Dexlansoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
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.
What is the most important information I should know about dexlansoprazole?
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
You should not take dexlansoprazole if you are allergic to it.
Before you take dexlansoprazole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or low levels of magnesium in your blood.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
When treating heartburn, dexlansoprazole is usually given for 4 weeks. To best heal erosive esophagitis, you may need to take dexlansoprazole for several months. Follow your doctor's instructions.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexlansoprazole?
Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.
You should not take dexlansoprazole if you are allergic to it.
To make sure you can safely take dexlansoprazole, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or low levels of magnesium in your blood.
Taking a proton pump inhibitor such as dexlansoprazole may increase your risk of bone fracture in the hip, wrist, or spine. This effect has occurred mostly in people who have taken the medication long term or at high doses, and in those who are age 50 and older. It is not clear whether dexlansoprazole is the actual cause of an increased risk of fracture. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mineral density).
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether dexlansoprazole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.