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- INFORMATION ON ACID REFLUX DISEASE
- What is acid reflux disease?
Acid reflux disease 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. See About Acid Reflux Disease to learn more.
- How do I know if I have acid reflux disease?
Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux disease. Occasional heartburn can typically be relieved with over-the-counter medications if needed. If you have persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, it could be more than just heartburn. It could be acid reflux disease. Only your doctor can diagnose acid reflux disease and determine if there is any damage to your esophagus. See About Acid Reflux Disease for more details.
- Can I have acid reflux disease and not have heartburn?
Yes. Although heartburn is the most common symptom, many other symptoms are also associated with acid reflux disease.
- What are the 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
See About Acid Reflux Disease to learn more.
- Do the same foods trigger heartburn in everyone?
No. Foods and beverages affect people differently, so learning which foods bother you is an important way to manage your condition. Continuing to avoid foods that trigger your heartburn and eating frequent small meals are two changes that can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux disease.
- What damage can occur with acid reflux disease?
The lining of your esophagus can be damaged. However, the disease is complex and has many degrees of severity, ranging from just symptoms to erosions in your esophagus (erosive esophagitis).
- What is erosive esophagitis?
Erosive esophagitis is a complication of acid reflux disease in which the lining of your esophagus has been eroded away or damaged by continued exposure to acid. Fortunately, erosive esophagitis can be treated. Talk to your doctor about healing erosive esophagitis.
- TREATING HEARTBURN RELATED TO ACID REFLUX DISEASE
- What are the treatment options for heartburn related to acid reflux disease?
There are many treatment options for heartburn related to acid reflux disease. Talk to your doctor about which acid reflux disease treatment might work best for you.
These are some of the most common ways acid reflux disease is treated:
Antacids
These are available without a prescription (over the counter, or “OTC”) and used primarily for heartburn. Typically, they can provide temporary relief of symptoms, although this is limited for some people. If you are experiencing heartburn two or more days a week, even though you've tried antacids and changed your diet, it may be a sign of something more serious, and you should talk to your doctor.
H2 blockers
These are available over the counter and by prescription. They reduce the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking a stimulus that leads to acid production. If you continue to suffer from heartburn, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may develop a different treatment plan.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Most PPIs—like KAPIDEX—are available only by prescription. They block the final stage of acid production and are very effective at relieving heartburn in many people who have acid reflux disease.
- What should I ask my doctor?
- Will acid reflux disease go away on its own?
Acid reflux disease is often a chronic condition, but its symptoms can be managed. That is why it's important to talk to your doctor about treatment options. Over time, acid reflux disease can lead to serious complications. See About Acid Reflux Disease for more details.
- HOW KAPIDEX WORKS
- What is the generic name for KAPIDEX?
KAPIDEX is also known as dexlansoprazole (dex-lan-SOPP-rah-zall). Dexlansoprazole decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used in adults for the treatment of heartburn related to acid reflux disease, healing acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and stopping EE from coming back.
- Does KAPIDEX block all acid production in my stomach?
No. Stomach acid is needed for digestion, so KAPIDEX blocks many (but not all) of the tiny pumps that produce acid in the stomach. See About KAPIDEX to learn more about how KAPIDEX works.
- How does KAPIDEX help heal erosions of the esophagus?
KAPIDEX works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. Therefore, you have less harmful acid backing up, or refluxing, into your esophagus. This allows your esophagus to heal. With KAPIDEX, you can go beyond relieving your everyday symptoms. As long as you are taking KAPIDEX as prescribed, you can continue to heal the damage to your esophagus caused by acid reflux disease. Individual results may vary. See Proof It Works for more details on the effectiveness of KAPIDEX.
- How does KAPIDEX stop the damage to my esophagus from coming back?
If a maintenance regimen for healing of erosive esophagitis is prescribed and followed, KAPIDEX, once a day, helps to reduce stomach acid. As a result, less acid backs up, or refluxes, into your esophagus. This helps stop the damage to your esophagus from coming back. Individual results may vary.
- Does KAPIDEX have side effects?
Studies of more than 4500 people showed that KAPIDEX had a low occurrence of side effects. The most common were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). These were seen in less than 5% of patients. For more information, please see the page on Safety Information and the Important Safety Information below.
- HOW TO TAKE KAPIDEX
- How do I take KAPIDEX?
Both KAPIDEX doses (30 mg and 60 mg) are available in capsule form. KAPIDEX should be swallowed whole. You can also open the KAPIDEX capsule and sprinkle the contents on a tablespoon of applesauce (you should swallow it right away). For full instructions and other information, see the page on Safety Information and the complete Prescribing Information.
- How long should I take KAPIDEX?
How long you take KAPIDEX will depend on why you're taking it and how your body responds. Only your doctor can tell you how long you should take KAPIDEX. While your individual results may vary, KAPIDEX not only relieves the heartburn symptoms associated with acid reflux disease, but it also can help heal damage to the esophagus known as erosive esophagitis. And for many people, continuing treatment with KAPIDEX, if prescribed, can even stop the damage from coming back. For this reason, it's important to take medicine as directed by your doctor even if you don't feel the symptoms. You may feel better before you run out of capsules.
- ABOUT THE KAPIDEX ADVANTAGE PROGRAM
- How do I register for the KAPIDEX Advantage Program?
You can register for the program here. If you are having trouble signing up online, you can also call 1-888-279-7247 to register.
- What are the benefits of enrolling in the KAPIDEX Advantage Program?
The KAPIDEX Advantage Program includes several beneficial features designed to save you time and money:
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An Instant Savings Card that can save you up to $55* each month on your KAPIDEX prescription, and can be used with each refill! |
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An automatic refill reminder designed to help eliminate the hassle of remembering when to refill your KAPIDEX prescription by sending you emails before or after your refill date. |
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A variety of useful tips, tools, and resources to help you manage your heartburn and other acid reflux disease symptoms. |
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A handy Medication Manager that helps keep track of all of your prescriptions and when they’re about due to be refilled. |
- Am I eligible for the KAPIDEX Instant Savings Card?
The KAPIDEX Instant Savings Card cannot be used if any part of your prescription is covered by: (i) any federal or state healthcare program (Medicare, Medicaid, VA, TriCARE, etc.), including a state medical or pharmaceutical assistance program, (ii) the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Part D), or if you are currently in the coverage gap, (iii) insurance that is paying the entire cost of the prescription, or (iv) an insurer or other Third Party Payor in Massachusetts.
- If I am ineligible to receive the Instant Savings Card, can I still receive the tools, tips, refill reminders, and other information about KAPIDEX?
Yes. If you are ineligible for the Instant Savings Card or you do not want to participate in the program, you can still get information about KAPIDEX, as well as tips, tools, and refill reminders to help make managing your heartburn easier.
- I have general questions about the KAPIDEX Advantage Program. Whom do I contact?
For general information on the KAPIDEX Advantage Program, call 1-888-279-7247.
- Are there any assistance programs available to help me get KAPIDEX?
You can find several programs here that can help in-need individuals and families who might not otherwise have access to critical medicines.
- USING YOUR KAPIDEX INSTANT SAVINGS CARD
- How do I use my KAPIDEX Instant Savings Card?
Take your prescription for KAPIDEX and your Instant Savings Card to your pharmacist and receive up to $55 off* your out-of-pocket expenses for each prescription. Remember, your card is not a coupon, so be sure to bring it with you to the pharmacy to receive instant savings every time you fill or refill your prescription.
- I registered for the KAPIDEX Advantage Program and received my Instant Savings Card online. Will I also get a permanent card?
Yes. Once you use the card you received online, we’ll mail you a permanent KAPIDEX Instant Savings Card to use each time you fill your prescription for KAPIDEX.
- I registered for the KAPIDEX Advantage Program, but I did not receive my Instant Savings Card online. What do I do?
Please call 1-888-279-7247. You will then receive a KAPIDEX Instant Savings Card by U.S. Mail. It should arrive in 2–3 weeks.
- I have not received my permanent Instant Savings Card. How do I find out if it was sent to me?
Your permanent Instant Savings Card should arrive via U.S. Mail 2–3 weeks after you use the card you received online. If you have not received your card and it has been longer than three weeks, please call 1-888-279-7247 to check the status.
- How do I activate and use the Instant Savings Card that I received online?
Once you sign up for the KAPIDEX Advantage Program, you will receive a personalized Instant Savings Card online. You can print the Instant Savings Card and use it right away. You do not need to activate the card before using it.
- How do I activate and use the Instant Savings Card that was sent to me or that I got from a brochure?
To activate the card that was sent to you or one that you received from a brochure, visit KAPactivate.com or call the number located on your card. You will be asked for the Member Number on the card. Remember, if you received the card from somewhere other than the KAPIDEX website, your card is not valid until you activate it.
- I’m having trouble activating my Instant Savings Card online.
Please wait a few minutes, then click here to try again. If you are still experiencing problems, please call the number on the front of your card to activate it.
- I lost my Instant Savings Card and the letter it came on. How do I get a new one?
To replace lost or stolen cards or a misplaced letter, call 1-888-279-7247.
- What should I do if the pharmacy can't process my Instant Savings Card?
If the pharmacy has difficulty processing your card, have the pharmacy follow the steps on the back of your Instant Savings Card. The pharmacy can also call the number located on your card for processing questions.
- My pharmacist couldn't process my card or doesn’t accept the card, and I have already paid for my prescription. Can I still receive the instant savings?
If you have already paid for your prescription, please use the mail-in rebate form that was attached to the letter your card came on. If you have not received your permanent card and letter yet, you no longer have the letter, or you need further information, call 1-888-279-7247.
- I have an Instant Savings Card, but I get my prescriptions via mail order. Can I still get the discount? What forms do I need?
To get a rebate, fill out and follow the instructions on the mail-in rebate form that was attached to the letter your card came on. If you have not received your permanent card and letter yet, you no longer have the letter, or you need further information, call 1-888-279-7247.
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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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