dexlansoprazole
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) is a prescription medication used to treat conditions caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which means it blocks acid from "getting pumped" into the stomach. Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older. It's typically taken once daily, with or without food. Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) doesn't cause many side effects, but some of the more common ones include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
What is Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)?
What is Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) used for?
- Erosive esophagitis (EE)
- Maintenance of healed EE and relief of heartburn
- Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
How Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) works
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It lowers the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the final step of stomach acid production. This helps relieve heartburn and other stomach problems.
Drug facts
Side effects of Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Adults
- Diarrhea (5%)
- Belly pain (4%)
- Nausea (3%)
Children
- Headache (more than 5%)
- Belly pain (more than 5%)
- Diarrhea (more than 5%)
- Common cold (more than 5%)
- Mouth and throat pain (more than 5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory infection
- Vomiting
- Passing gas
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe diarrhea
- Kidney problems: urinating more or less than usual, fever, poor appetite
- Lupus symptoms: joint pain, skin rash on arms or cheeks that gets worse in the sunlight
- Serious allergic reaction: blistering, peeling, or bleeding skin; fever; chills
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The following Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
chest pain, discomfort, tightness, or heaviness
confusion
continuing stomach pain
difficult or labored breathing
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
headache
incoherent speech
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
muscle pain, cramps, or weakness
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, leg, back, or neck
pounding in the ears
rash, hives
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
sweating
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
watery or bloody diarrhea
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
chills
drowsiness
muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
seizures
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
swelling of the body, feet, or ankles
trembling
unusual weight gain
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Abnormal dreams
body aches or pain
bloated or full feeling
burning or itching around the anus
change in taste or bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
difficult or painful urination
difficulty with moving
ear congestion
ear pain
excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
falls
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
loss of voice
metallic taste
muscle or bone pain
passing gas
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
runny or stuffy nose
sensation of spinning
sunburn
trouble sleeping
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
Pros
- Can take with or without food
- Only taken once a day
- Granules inside the capsules can be mixed with water or applesauce, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
- FDA-approved for children age 12 and older
Cons
- Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture(s)
- Might cause a false-positive urine drug test
- Not safe for people with severe liver problems
- Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels
Pharmacist tips for Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
- Typically, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can be taken with or without food.
- Swallow dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) capsules whole. Don't chew or crush the capsules or the granules inside. Doing so can change how the medication gets absorbed into your body.
- If you can't swallow dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) capsules, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the granules onto one tablespoon of applesauce. Once mixed, swallow the applesauce right away without chewing or crushing the granules. You can drink some cool water afterwards to make sure you've swallowed all the medication.
- Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can be opened and the granules can be mixed with 20 mL of water. Take the mixture by mouth with an oral syringe. Refill the syringe with 10 mL of water and drink this to make sure you got all of the medication. Don't save any of the mixture for later, since the medication might not work as well anymore.
- Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can interact with many medications. For example, taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) with warfarin (Coumadin) can raise the level of warfarin (Coumadin) in your body and put you at higher risk for bleeding. Let your care team know what medications you take or plan to take before you start dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), so they can help you check for interactions.
- Don't take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) for longer than prescribed by your primary care provider (PCP) to control your symptoms. Taking this medication long-term can raise your risk for certain side effects, such as bone fractures or diarrhea.
- Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) might not be a good option for you if you're looking for immediate relief from heartburn. But you can take other quick-acting antacids, such as calcium carbonate (Tums), along with dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) until the medication effect kicks in. Ask your care team about other medications you can take to relieve your heartburn.
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Common questions about Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food. Follow your primary care provider's instructions on when to take this medication.
You might need to take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) for 3 days to experience the maximum benefit of this medication. If you need immediate relief, consider taking an antacid, such as Tums (calcium carbonate), along with dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) until the medication effect kicks in.
Talk with your healthcare team if you want to stop taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant). If you've been taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) for more than 2 months, stopping this medication too suddenly might cause your stomach to produce more acid (acid rebound), which worsen your GERD symptoms. Your healthcare team can recommend ways to stop dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) that minimizes acid rebound. For example, one strategy is to take this medication as needed when your symptoms flare up. Another strategy is to use other GERD medications to treat your rebound symptoms. If your symptoms don't go away or seem to get worse after stopping dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), let your PCP know.
In most cases, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) isn't meant to be taken for longer than 1 to 2 months at a time. It's important to take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) only for as long as your PCP directed. Continuing to take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) longer than recommended can raise your risk of certain health concerns, such as bone fractures and low magnesium levels. Talk with your PCP if you're not sure how long to take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).
There isn't a strong link between dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) and cancer. Some observational studies suggest there taking PPIs long-term can raise the risk of stomach cancer for people who have H. pylori infections and existing stomach injury. Other studies suggest that PPIs raise the level of a hormone called gastrin, which might be linked to stomach cancer. But more research is needed to understand the connection between PPIs, including dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), and cancer. As a precaution, your PCP will likely recommend that you take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) for the shortest time needed to treat your symptoms. Let your PCP know if you're concerned about the possible risk of cancer with PPIs.
Don't take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) along with other PPIs, such as omeprazole (Prilosec). These medications work in very similar ways to lower stomach acid levels and taking them together can raise the risk of side effects, such as diarrhea and nausea. If dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) alone isn't relieving your symptoms, talk to your care team about other treatment options.
Yes, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) is available as a lower-cost generic medication.
No, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) isn't available over the counter. You'll need a prescription from a healthcare professional for this medication. Ask your pharmacist if you're looking for a PPI that can be found over the counter.
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Risks and warnings for Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious condition
Frequent episodes of heartburn can be a symptom of stomach cancer. If your heartburn gets worse or comes back after taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), let your PCP know. Also contact your PCP if you have poor appetite, unexplained weight loss, or weakness along with your heartburn. They can check if there are other serious medical problems going on.
Sudden kidney problems
Some people taking PPIs like dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) have had sudden kidney problems. These problems can happen at any point during treatment. Talk with your prescriber if you're urinating more or less than usual, feel nauseous or weak, or have a fever, rash, or joint pain. These can be symptoms of kidney problems.
Severe infectious diarrhea
- Risk factors: Older people | Recent stay at a hospital or nursing home | People with a weakened immune system (e.g. cancer)
Some clinical studies showed that PPIs, such as dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), can raise the risk of getting a bacterial infection called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This infection can cause severe diarrhea. Your risk is higher if you're over 65 years old, have recently stayed at a hospital or nursing home, or have a weakened immune system. To lower your risk of C. diff diarrhea, only take dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) for as long as recommended by your PCP. If you experience severe or watery diarrhea, fever, belly pain, loss of appetite, or nausea, let your PCP know right away.
Bone fractures
- Risk factors: Taking high doses of dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) | Taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) for longer than a year | Older adult
PPIs, like dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), might raise the risk of bone fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine. Your risk is higher if you take more than one dose of dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) per day or if you take it for more than a year. To prevent the risk of bone fracture, your PCP will prescribe dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) for the shortest time needed to treat your symptoms. If you've had bone fractures before or have osteoporosis (weak bones), talk to your PCP about your risk before starting this medication.
Skin reactions
PPIs, such as dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), have rarely caused serious skin reactions. These reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Symptoms can include fever, body aches, rash, peeling skin, painful blisters, and swelling of the face. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Lupus
Some people taking PPIs, like dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), developed new or worsening lupus. This is a condition where your immune system attacks your own body. Lupus symptoms can occur any time during treatment with dexlansoprazole (Dexilant). Some typical symptoms include joint pain or rash, but they often improve within 1 to 3 months of stopping this medication. If you experience any lupus symptoms while taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), stop the medication and contact your PCP.
Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
- Risk factor: Long-term use | Taking medications that can lower magnesium or vitamin B12 levels
Taking acid-lowering medications, like dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), for a long period of time can cause your vitamin B12 levels to drop. Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) lowers the amount of acid in your stomach, which is needed for vitamin B12 absorption. If you've been taking this medication for longer than 3 years, or if you have symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency (e.g., dizziness, muscle weakness, pale skin, tiredness, tingling in arms or legs), talk to your PCP.
Taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can also lower your magnesium levels. This can happen 3 months after taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), but it's more likely to happen after a year of treatment. Low magnesium levels can sometimes lead to other electrolyte problems. Your PCP might check your blood before and during treatment with dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) to make sure your electrolyte levels are in the normal range. Watch for symptoms of electrolyte problems like irregular heart rate, muscle cramps, and tremors. Let your PCP know right away if they occur.
Interaction with other medications
Some medications can interfere with how your body gets rid of dexlansoprazole (Dexilant). Depending on if they boost or block how dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) gets removed, these medications can affect the amount of dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) in your body, how well it works, and the risk of side effects. For example, St. John’s Wort and rifampin (Rifadin) can lower the amount of dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) in your body and cause the medication to not work as well. Avoid these medications while taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant).
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can also interfere with how other medications work. Avoid taking dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) with medications that contain rilpivirine, such as Edurant (rilpivirine) and Cabenuva (cabotegravir / rilpivirine). Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) causes these medications to not work as well, which can worsen human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In addition, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) can raise the risk of methotrexate toxicity when taken together with methotrexate.
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60mg | 30 capsules | $88.71 | $2.96 |
| 30mg | 30 capsules | $73.87 | $2.46 |
Typical dosage for Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) should only be used in adults and children 12 years of age and older:
- Treatment of EE: The typical dose is 60 mg by mouth once daily for up to 2 months.
- Heartburn relief and maintenance of healed EE: The typical dose is 30 mg by mouth once daily for up to 6 months in adults and up to 4 months for children between 12-17 years old.
- GERD: The typical dose is 30 mg by mouth once daily for up to 1 month.
Your dose of dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) might differ if you have liver problems.
Interactions between Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Rilpivirine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acalabrutinib
- Amphetamine
- Atazanavir
- Benzphetamine
- Bosutinib
- Capecitabine
- Dacomitinib
- Dasatinib
- Dextroamphetamine
- Erlotinib
- Gefitinib
- Ketoconazole
- Ledipasvir
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Methamphetamine
- Methotrexate
- Mycophenolate Mofetil
- Nelfinavir
- Neratinib
- Nilotinib
- Octreotide
- Pazopanib
- Pexidartinib
- Saquinavir
- Secretin Human
- Selpercatinib
- Sunitinib
- Velpatasvir
- Vismodegib
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
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Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) will not be safe for you to take.
- Medications that contain rilpivirine, such as Edurant (rilpivirine) and Cabenuva (cabotegravir / rilpivirine)
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