Before you begin taking 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 take Sandoz Rabeprazole.
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 rabeprazole, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Sandoz Rabeprazole to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Rabeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Rabeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Magnesium levels: Rabeprazole may rarely cause low magnesium levels in people who take Sandoz Rabeprazole 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 about how Sandoz Rabeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Rabeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Methotrexate interaction: Rabeprazole, 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 rabeprazole, and are also going to receive a dose of methotrexate, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Rabeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Rabeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
More serious conditions of the stomach and intestines: If you experience symptoms of a more serious condition of the stomach and intestines (e.g., trouble swallowing, unplanned weight loss, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, or black stools) while taking Sandoz Rabeprazole, contact your doctor immediately.
Osteoporosis fractures: Long term use of rabeprazole may be related to an increased risk of bone fractures in the hip, wrist or spine, as a result of weakened bones. This risk is further increased if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis or have risk factors for developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Rabeprazole may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Rabeprazole, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Vitamin B12: Long-term use of rabeprazole 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: Sandoz Rabeprazole should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Rabeprazole, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if rabeprazole passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Sandoz Rabeprazole, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Sandoz Rabeprazole have not been established for children and adolescents less than 18 years of age.
