Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole)

Do's

• Take Dexilant by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily. 
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding taking your dose every day before the same meal for the best results if your symptoms usually occur after a meal. 
• Swallow Dexilant capsules whole. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, open them and sprinkle the contents onto 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture without chewing it. 
• Ask your healthcare provider for detailed instructions if you are giving Dexilant with a liquid medication measuring device/syringe or through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric or gastric tube). Follow detailed instructions on how to mix and administer it properly. 
• Take antacids with Dexilant if needed. If you are also taking sucralfate, take Dexilant at least 30 minutes before sucralfate.   
• Use Dexilant regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time each day to help you remember. 
• Continue to take Dexilant for the prescribed length of treatment, even if you are feeling better. 

Don'ts

• Do not crush or chew Dexilant capsules. 
• Do not prepare the mixture of Dexilant and applesauce ahead of time.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose for you.  The risk of side effects may increase over time, so follow up with your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment. 

Some common side effects that may occur include:

• Belly pain
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence (gas)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Weight gain
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• High blood pressure

Serious side effects are rare but can occur.

• Severe stomach pain or diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Seizures
• Sudden pain or trouble moving your hip, wrist, or back
• Kidney problems, such as fever, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, joint pain, urinating less than usual, blood in your urine, or weight gain
• Allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Dexilant,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Before taking Dexilant, it is important to be aware of the following warnings and precautions:

1. Allergies: Do not use Dexilant if you are allergic to dexlansoprazole or any of its components.
2. Missed Dose and Overdose: If you miss a dose of Dexilant, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time.
3. Diarrhea: Dexilant can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you experience watery or bloody diarrhea, contact your healthcare provider. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
4. Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. Dexilant may interact with certain medications, such as rifampin, St. John's wort, and warfarin. Discuss potential drug interactions with your healthcare provider
5. Serious Side Effects: Dexilant carries several warnings about potentially serious side effects, although it does not list all possible side effects. These include stomach cancer, acute interstitial nephritis (kidney damage), severe diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria, bone fractures, systemic lupus erythematosus, vitamin B12 deficiency, magnesium deficiency, interactions with tests for neuroendocrine tumors, interactions with the drug methotrexate, and stomach polyps. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or potential risks
6. Pediatric Use: Dexilant is not recommended for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Nonclinical studies have shown adverse effects in juvenile rats treated with lansoprazole, which is similar to dexlansoprazole, at exposures expected to be similar to or higher than those in pediatric patients one year to two years of age.