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What is acid reflux disease?
Acid reflux disease (ARD) occurs when stomach acid used for digestion repeatedly backs up, or refluxes, into the esophagus. Acid reflux disease is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
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How heartburn happens
When you eat, millions of tiny pumps in your stomach produce the acid that helps you digest food. Unfortunately, stomach acid can flow back into your esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This usually happens when the valve between your stomach and esophagus (called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) does not work properly.
Normally, this valve opens to allow food and liquids to enter the stomach, and it closes to keep acid and food in the stomach. But if it doesn't close all the way or if it opens too often, stomach acid can move up into your esophagus. And with continued exposure to stomach acid, the esophagus may become irritated and possibly damaged, a condition known as erosive esophagitis.
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Is it heartburn or acid reflux disease?
Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease. Since heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux disease affect different people in different ways, it's important to talk to your doctor. Only your doctor can diagnose acid reflux disease and determine if there is any damage to your esophagus.
Symptoms of acid reflux disease
Acid reflux disease affects different people in many different ways. Persistent heartburn is the most common symptom, but other possible acid reflux disease symptoms include:
- Stomach acid rising
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Burning in the throat
- Pain or burning in the chest
- Waking up at night because of heartburn
Learn more
For more information about acid reflux disease, its symptoms, and possible treatment options, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions.
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Uses of KAPIDEX
Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4–8 weeks.
Important Safety Information
KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported. Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions. The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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DEXILANT™, KAPIDEX™, and Dual Delayed Release™ are trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and are used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
©2010 Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.
This site is intended for US residents only
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