Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole).
Diarrhea: When gastric acid is decreased, the number of bacteria normally in the digestive system increases. Occasionally, this can cause serious infection in the digestive tract. If you experience watery, foul-smelling bowel movements after starting to take Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Fractures: Long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors has been associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis-related fracture of the hip, wrist, or spine, particularly for people who take Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) for a year or longer. If you have Osteoporosis or have risk factors for developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver problems: People with liver problems should discuss with their doctor how Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Magnesium levels: In rare instances, Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) may cause low magnesium levels in people who take Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) for a prolonged period of time. Low magnesium may occur after at least 3 months, but usually after a year of treatment. If you have low magnesium levels in your blood, you should discuss with your doctor how Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Methotrexate interaction: Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), like other medications in this group, may interact with methotrexate when the two medications are used at the same time. This combination may lead to higher than expected amounts of methotrexate in the body and can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, Anemia, or infection. If you take Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) and are also going to receive a dose of methotrexate, discuss with your doctor how Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Other stomach problems: Even if you experience improvement in acid-related symptoms, it is still possible to have serious underlying stomach problems such as stomach cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have other symptoms of stomach problems such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, a bloated feeling after eating, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
Vitamin B12: Long-term use of Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are a vegetarian or have low vitamin B12 levels, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.
Pregnancy: Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) should not be taken during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) have not been established for children under 12 years old.
