Click the button “Request an ACIPHEX Prescription” below to register with ProCare Pharmacy Care.
After registering, you will be asked answer a few Heartburn Health related questions.
Identify your Health Care Provider so ProCare Pharmacy Care can request a Aciphex prescription on your behalf.
Heartburn occurs when stomach acids reflux or flow up into the esophagus. Frequent heartburn is defined as heartburn occurring two or more days a week. AcipHex is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn.
Heartburn is caused when stomach acid enters the esophagus. Typically, the LES [Lower Esophageal Sphincter] opens like a one-way valve that allows food into the stomach. However, at times the LES relaxes and allows stomach juices to flow back into the esophagus, exposing it to the harsh acids in your stomach. Physicians refer to this as gastroesophageal reflux.
For the occasional heartburn, you can try antacids or H2 blockers. Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach, but they only provide immediate, temporary relief. H2 blockers reduce acid production, and relief can last for 12 hours. While they can both work for occasional heartburn, if you have frequent heartburn, you may find that the relief does not last long enough. Proton Pump Inhibitors (like AcipHex) can provide relief with a single pill. You can also make a few lifestyle changes to ease your symptoms and reduce the chances of heartburn.
You can experience 24-hour frequent heartburn relief by taking a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), like AcipHex. When you eat, millions of tiny pumps in your stomach produce acid to break down food. Aciphex works by directly blocking these pumps from as much acid, blocking heartburn at the source. A PPI may take 1-4 days for full effect.
You can also try adjusting your lifestyle to reduce the chance of frequent heartburn:
Yes, some foods are more likely to cause your heartburn to flare up, and these are known as heartburn triggers See how you respond to these common triggers. A few of them could be catalysts for your heartburn:
Stomach acid contains a powerful acid called hydrochloric acid. This acid is produced to help the body break down food. While the stomach is naturally protected from this potent acid, the esophagus does not have the same protection. So, if acidic stomach contents come into contact with the esophagus, the esophagus’ skin-like lining can be irritated or injured and result in a burning sensation known as heartburn.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is chronic, persistent heartburn and results from the improper working of the ring of muscle that usually keeps food and acids inside the stomach. When this muscle doesn’t work correctly, it allows acids to back up into the esophagus. Other signs of GERD include regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, coughing, hoarseness, and a lump feeling in your throat. These symptoms can also be indications of other conditions. Check with your doctor if you think you might be suffering from these ailments.
When stomach acids repeatedly back up into the esophagus, they can injure its sensitive lining. That injury can lead to painful inflammation called esophagitis. Eventually, the acid wears away at the esophagus, causing bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy enough, blood can pass into the digestive tract. Esophagitis can also cause ulcers—sensitive, open sores on the esophagus lining.
Both heartburn during the day and heartburn at night result from stomach acid reflux. However, lying horizontally to sleep at night makes it more likely that you will experience more stomach acid reflux than when sitting up or standing.
ACIPHEX® is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and is used for the treatment of persistent, frequent (2 or more days a week) heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux disease.
