Aciphex, or raberprazole, is used to treat certain conditions in which there is too much acid production in the stomach. According to Drugs.com, Aciphex is mainly indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disorder, a condition in which acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus and causes injury. Aciphex also is used together with antibiotics to treat ulcers caused by helicobacter bacterium. Use of Aciphex might cause damage to the body.
Common Side Effects
According to Healthcentral.com, common side effects of Aciphex include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, pharyngitis, flatulence, constipation, cough, dizziness and drowsiness. Common side effects of Aciphex diminish with continued use
Pancreatitis
Drugs.com states that use of Aciphex might cause pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland that secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum and pancreatic duct. The pancreas also releases insulin and glucagon, which are hormones important for the metabolism of blood glucose. Signs of pancreas inflammation include abdominal pain, swollen abdomen, fatty stool, jaundice, weight loss and vomiting.
Hepatitis and Liver Failure
According to Drugs.com, Aciphex might cause damage to liver cells leading to hepatitis, inflammation of the liver. Aciphex is metabolized in the liver, and exposure of the liver to high doses of Aciphex overwhelms it and leads to hepatitis and liver failure. Signs of hepatitis include dark urine, pale colored stool, itching, yellowing of the eyes and skin, weight loss and nausea and vomiting.
Steven-Johnson Syndrome
According to Drugs.com, Aciphex use might cause Steven-Johnson syndrome, which MayoClinic.com defines as a deadly skin disease caused by drug reaction. Signs and symptoms of Steven-Johnson syndrome include red or purple skin rash that spreads within hours, blisters on the skin and mucous membrane, hives and skin pain.
Rhabdomyolysis
According to Drugs.com, Aciphex use might cause rhabdomyolysis, which the National Institutes of Health defines as the breakdown of skeletal muscle fibers due to injury of muscle tissue resulting in the release of muscle content into the bloodstream. Signs of rhabdomyolysis include dark red urine, muscle weakness, muscle pain, shock and kidney failure.
