9 Dexilant Side Effects You Should Know About

If you have a condition like heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you may be prescribed Dexilant (dexlansoprazole). Dexilant is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Other examples of PPIs include Prilosec (omeprazole) and Protonix (pantoprazole). But compared to these other PPIs, Dexilant’s acid-reducing effects last the longest. 

Although Dexilant is effective, some people taking it report side effects. More common side effects, like diarrhea and nausea, tend to be mild and should get better over time. Others might only show up after taking the medication for a long time. Though rare, serious side effects are also possible. Below, we’ll discuss nine Dexilant side effects you should know about and how to manage them.

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the most common Dexilant side effect, which isn’t unusual with PPIs. One theory is that less stomach acid may make it easier for bad bacteria to cause trouble in your gut. And it may be more difficult to digest proteins. Both of these effects are thought to contribute to diarrhea. 

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Usually, diarrhea from taking Dexilant is mild and temporary. You can likely manage this at home by resting and staying hydrated. But if it becomes bothersome or severe, contact your healthcare provider. They might recommend taking an antidiarrheal medication like loperamide (Imodium A-D). 

Severe diarrhea could also mean you have a Clostridium difficile infection (C. diff). C. diff is a serious infection that causes intense abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. If you suspect you have C. diff, you should seek immediate medical attention.

2. Stomach pain

Stomach pain is another common Dexilant side effect. As with diarrhea, stomach pain is usually mild and short-lived. Laying down or resting might help.

But if your stomach pain is severe, or isn’t going away, check with your healthcare provider. They can determine the best course of action. If you have stomach pain with fever and diarrhea, this could be a sign of C.diff.

Stomach pain can also have many causes beyond medications. So, your provider may also do some testing to figure out if something else is causing your pain.

3. Nausea and vomiting

Some people also report nausea and vomiting with Dexilant. As with other stomach-related side effects, this could be caused by the changes in stomach acid levels. And nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of GERD, too.

Managing nausea and vomiting can include simple changes, like taking Dexilant with bland foods or eating smaller meals. If you experience vomiting, you’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated. This is important since you’re losing fluids when you throw up. 

Let your healthcare provider know if your nausea and vomiting is severe, doesn’t go away, or is accompanied by other symptoms. They may have you stop taking Dexilant. 

4. Upper respiratory tract infection

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are caused by viruses or bacteria in your nose, sinuses, or throat. Some people taking Dexilant reported URTIs during clinical trials. Symptoms may include congestion, cough, and sore throat. Headaches are also common.

Treating URTIs depends on the cause. For infections caused by viruses, like the common cold, taking antibiotics won’t help. Most colds usually go away on their own after a few days. 

There are a few ways to help relieve sore throat, cough, and congestion. These include drinking plenty of fluids, using a saline nasal spray, and using a humidifier. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medications may be options as well.

Although it’s rare, URTIs can be caused by bacteria. In this case, you may need antibiotics. For example, a bacterial sinus infection might be treated with an antibiotic like amoxicillin.

If you have symptoms of a URTI, contact your healthcare provider. They can help determine what type of URTI you might have and recommend the best treatment.

5. Gas

Stomach gas can be an unpleasant Dexilant side effect. You know the feeling — uncomfortable or painful symptoms like pressure, fullness, or bloating. Like diarrhea, changes in your gut bacteria may be to blame.

Sometimes you can treat gas by changing your diet. This can include avoiding foods that are more likely to cause gas, such as beans, certain fruits, and artificially sweetened foods. Your healthcare provider might also suggest taking an OTC medication, like Gas-X (simethicone), to help relieve symptoms.

6. Weight gain

Weight gain is a less common side effect that has been reported with Dexilant. There’s preliminary evidence to suggest that some weight gain is possible from PPIs, especially with long-term use (e.g., a year or longer). But experts aren’t exactly sure how this happens. 

If you’re concerned about gaining weight while taking Dexilant, the best thing to do is focus on your lifestyle. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and having a support system are some simple and effective ways to maintain a healthy body weight. Your healthcare provider can also suggest ways to safely prevent weight gain in your situation.

7. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Dexilant can potentially interfere with how your body absorbs certain vitamins and minerals, especially if you take it long term. While rare, this can result in a B12 deficiency. Your magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels can be affected, too.

Low B12 levels

Vitamin B12 needs acid to be absorbed in your stomach. Dexilant lowers acid production, so you may not absorb as much B12 from foods you eat. Generally, the risk of B12 deficiency appears to be higher if you’ve been taking Dexilant for more than 3 years. 

Your healthcare provider may check your B12 levels in your routine lab work. If your levels are low, they may prescribe vitamin B12 pills (OTC) or shots (prescription only) to bring up your levels.

Low magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels

Low magnesium levels from Dexilant are also rare. If it happens, it’s most commonly reported after taking the medication for longer than a year. What’s more, low magnesium can also lead to low calcium and potassium levels. 

Your healthcare provider may check your magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels while you’re taking Dexilant. Let them know if you develop symptoms like weakness, muscle twitching, or heart palpitations. This could be a sign your magnesium is too low.

8. Bone fracture

There’s some evidence to suggest that PPIs like Dexilant may increase the risk of osteoporosis-related bone fractures (breaks). While rare, this risk appears to be higher after taking a PPI for at least a year and with higher doses.

Your healthcare provider may review your overall bone fracture risk before prescribing Dexliant. If you have high fracture risk (e.g., osteoporosis), you may be more likely to have a bone break. As a general rule, they may have you take the lowest Dexilant dose for the shortest time to manage this and other risks.

9. Serious skin reactions

Several serious skin reactions have been associated with PPIs, including Dexilant. These skin reactions include:

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) 

• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)

• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome

• Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)

Typically, you’ll experience flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever) followed by a rash with most of these reactions. If these symptoms develop, stop taking Dexilant and get immediate medical attention. Emergency medical treatment is required to address the reaction quickly to avoid long-term damage. These reactions can be life-threatening if left untreated.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about side effects from Dexilant?

Let your healthcare provider know any time side effects from Dexilant become bothersome. They can recommend any medication changes or treatments needed to relieve your symptoms. Even if the side effects are mild, it can be a good idea to double-check.

Your healthcare provider may monitor for certain side effects, like vitamin or mineral deficiencies, during treatment. Other side effects require immediate medical attention, like serious skin reactions. If you’re experiencing any side effects that are severe or feel life-threatening, get medical attention right away.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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