Fexuprazan
About Fexuprazan
Fexuprazan is a modern prescription medication designed to treat conditions caused by excess stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and inflammation of the food pipe. By directly blocking the acid-producing pumps in your stomach, it helps heal painful acid damage and prevents future irritation.
Your doctor will typically advise you to take this medication once daily, consistently at the same time each day. You can take Fexuprazan with or without food, making it highly convenient to fit into your daily routine. Combining this treatment with simple lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding eating right before bed, can significantly improve your results.
Most people tolerate this medication well, but common side effects can include mild headaches, diarrhoea, or an upset stomach. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, severe watery diarrhoea, or signs of an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Before starting Fexuprazan, tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing health conditions, particularly severe liver or kidney problems. Do not take this if you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
This medicine can affect how your body absorbs other drugs that require stomach acid to work, such as certain antifungals. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as alcohol can irritate your stomach lining and worsen your reflux symptoms. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, consult your healthcare provider to ensure this medicine is safe for you.
Medicinal Benefits
Fexuprazan provides medicinal benefits by reducing excess stomach acid and helping manage symptoms associated with acid reflux.
Benefits may include:
- Fexuprazan may help reduce the burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by stomach acid moving into the food pipe.
- By lowering stomach acid production, Fexuprazan may help reduce symptoms such as acid regurgitation and discomfort associated with reflux.
- Regular use as prescribed may help reduce acid exposure and support the healing of irritation or damage in the food pipe.
- By helping control acid reflux, Fexuprazan may reduce acid-related symptoms that can disturb sleep in some people.
Directions for Use
- Fexuprazan can be taken with or without food or as advised by your doctor.
- Fexuprazan is usually taken once a day (for erosive esophagitis) and twice a day (for acute or chronic gastritis), or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Fexuprazan as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush or chew it.
Side Effects of Fexuprazan
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Headache
- Mild diarrhoea
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Dizziness
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe, watery diarrhoea that does not stop, which could be a sign of a serious bowel infection
- Severe, persistent stomach pain or yellowing of your skin or eyes
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the packaging: Check the blister pack before use to ensure it is intact, dry, and undamaged.
- Complete the prescribed treatment: Do not stop taking Fexuprazan early unless your doctor advises you to do so, even if your symptoms improve. The underlying irritation or tissue damage may require continued treatment to heal.
- Inform your healthcare providers: Tell your doctor, dentist, and pharmacist that you are taking Fexuprazan before starting any new prescription, over-the-counter medicine, or supplement.
- Monitor your symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve within the timeframe advised by your doctor, or if they become worse, contact your doctor for further evaluation.
Drug Interactions
- Acid-dependent medicines: Fexuprazan reduces stomach acid and may affect the absorption of medicines that require an acidic stomach environment, such as certain antifungal medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take.
- Supplements (e.g., iron, calcium): Reduced stomach acid may affect absorption. Tell your doctor if you regularly take iron or calcium supplements.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown if alcohol interacts with Fexuprazan. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeFexuprazan is contraindicated for use in pregnant women. Hence please inform your physician if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeFexuprazan is contraindicated for use in breastfeeding mothers. Hence please inform your physician if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is not known if Fexuprazan affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionFexuprazan should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Consult the doctor before taking Fexuprazan if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this
Kidney
cautionFexuprazan should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Consult the doctor before taking Fexuprazan if you have a kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this
Children
unsafeFexuprazan is not recommended for use in children below 16 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Identify and avoid trigger foods: Limit spicy, fatty, acidic (like citrus and tomatoes), and caffeinated foods and drinks, as they can trigger acid reflux.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals: Large meals put extra pressure on your stomach, forcing acid upward.
- Stay upright after meals: Avoid lying down or bending over for at least two to three hours after eating to let gravity keep acid in your stomach.
- Elevate your head during sleep: Raise the head of your bed by 6 inches using blocks or a wedge pillow to prevent nighttime heartburn.
- Avoid tight clothing: Tight belts or waistbands can squeeze your stomach and worsen reflux symptoms.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Erosive esophagitis: It occurs due to the reflux of gastric contents into the stomach, which leads to mucosal injury and damages the tissue lining the oesophagus.
FAQs
Diarrhoea can occur while taking Fexuprazan. If you develop severe, persistent, or watery diarrhoea, especially with abdominal pain, fever, or blood in the stool, contact your doctor promptly, as this may indicate a more serious intestinal infection. Do not stop or change your medicine without medical advice unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The duration of treatment depends on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Take Fexuprazan for as long as your doctor has prescribed, even if you feel better. Do not stop or change the dose on your own; talk to your doctor if you think you no longer need the medicine or have concerns about treatment.
Yes, you can take Fexuprazan with or without food. Taking it at the same time every day is the best way to get consistent results. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your routine.
Many patients experience relief within the first few days of starting treatment. Because of how it works, it reduces acid quickly, but complete healing of your oesophagus can take several weeks. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
No, you should swallow the tablet whole with water. Crushing or chewing it can alter how the medicine is absorbed and reduce its effectiveness. Talk to your pharmacist if you have trouble swallowing tablets.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not fully established. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting this medication.
It is best to avoid alcohol. While there is no direct chemical interaction, alcohol irritates the stomach lining and can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal routine. Do not take two doses at once.
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