About Acid Reflux Disease

INDICATIONS
In adults Mojo Maxx (≥18 years of age), one ACIPHEX 20 mg tablet daily is used for the treatment of daytime and nighttime heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux disease. ACIPHEX is also used for the short-term (4 to 8 weeks) treatment in the healing and symptom relief of damaging (erosive) acid reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and to maintain healing of damage (erosion) and relief of heartburn symptoms that happen with acid reflux disease. ACIPHEX has not been studied for treatment lasting longer than 12 months (1 year).

In adolescents (≥12 years of age), one ACIPHEX 20 mg tablet daily is used for the treatment of daytime and nighttime heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
• Serious allergic reactions may occur. Tell your doctor if you have a rash, face swelling, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing.
• People who are taking multiple daily doses of Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medicines for a long period of time may have an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine.
• Low magnesium can happen in some people who take a PPI medicine for at least 3 months. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms: seizures, dizziness, abnormal or fast heartbeat, jitteriness, jerking movements or shaking (tremors), muscle weakness, spasms of the hands and feet, cramps or muscle aches, or spasm of the voice box.
• In adolescents, the most common side effects with ACIPHEX include headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• In adults, the most common side effects with ACIPHEX include pain, sore throat, gas, infection, and constipation.
• Before taking ACIPHEX, tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines: atazanavir, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, or warfarin.

What causes acid reflux?

Why acid reflux occurs

Stomach acid, which we need to digest our food, is not a problem when it stays where it belongs—in your stomach.

Acid reflux is a physical condition where the contents of the stomach—including acid—back up (or reflux) into the esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach). If this condition happens too frequently, it could cause acid reflux disease.

The role of the LES

Between your esophagus and your stomach there is a natural barrier, or valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). For most people, the LES works just fine. But for some people with acid reflux disease, this valve does not always work the way it should for 2 reasons:

			It relaxes too frequently
			It's too weak Damage to the esophagus The lining of your stomach is built to handle stomach acid. But the lining of your esophagus is not. It can protect itself for a while, but when acid comes in contact with this lining for an extended period of time, it can lead to serious damage. And as a result, you may experience heartburn and other painful or uncomfortable symptoms. If left untreated, acid reflux disease may even cause damage (erosions) to the lining of the esophagus, a condition known aserosive esophagitis. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, please be sure to talk to your doctor. Managing your acid reflux disease If your doctor says that you have acid reflux disease, there’s plenty you can do. Besides diet and lifestyle changes, any medicine your doctor recommends will be an important part of your treatment. While some of these changes may not be easy, you can work with your doctor to map out a treatment plan that’s easy to stick to. What lifestyle changes should you consider? Whether or not your doctor prescribes medication, lifestyle changes should be an important part of your acid reflux disease treatment plan. Here are some changes that can help avoid trigger behaviors and keep your body and mind healthy: Exercise regularly—it will aid digestion and help you lose weight Stop smoking—it may stimulate acid production and weaken your LES valve, allowing acid to escape into your esophagus Ease stress—lowering the stress in your life may help reduce your acid reflux disease symptoms Have fun—add some play into your day Breathe deeply—breathing exercises can calm the body and ease the mind This is not a substitute for medical advice. Only your doctor can determine if you have acid reflux disease and prescribe appropriate treatment. Please check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.