Rabeprazole

Rabeprazole, sometimes sold under the brand name Pariet, is a prescription medication used to treat acid reflux and heartburn. When taken daily, it reduces stomach acid to prevent it from travelling up the oesophagus, treating symptoms like heartburn and indigestion.

Rabeprazole gastro-resistant (delayed-release) tablets are available in 10 mg or 20 mg doses, which you can order from 121doc after a short online consultation.

Is Rabeprazole the same as Pariet?

Yes, Rabeprazole and Pariet are the same medicine. They contain the same active ingredient (rabeprazole sodium), and work in the same way to ease acid reflux symptoms. They do differ, however, in price, packaging, and manufacturer, with generic Rabeprazole generally being the more affordable option while being just as effective.

Rabeprazole works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach, making it less likely to travel up the oesophagus (food pipe) and cause painful symptoms like heartburn. It does this through its active ingredient, rabeprazole sodium.

When ingested, rabeprazole sodium targets cells in the stomach known as proton pumps, which are responsible for producing stomach acid. Medicines that work in this way are known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and are the most commonly-prescribed treatment for moderate-to-severe cases of acid reflux or GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease).

Rabeprazole is proven effective in clinical trials, offering consistent relief from symptoms of acid reflux. In one study of patients with GORD treated with Rabeprazole 20 mg:

• 83% of days were free from heartburn
• 84% of daytime hours were heartburn-free
• 95% of nighttime hours were heartburn-free

These results show Rabeprazole offers reliable acid reflux control, day and night.

To be prescribed Rabeprazole from 121doc, you must be over 18 years old and you must suffer from symptoms of acid reflux.

Do not take Rabeprazole if you are:

• allergic to rabeprazole sodium or any other ingredient found in this medicine
• pregnant or breastfeeding

In addition to this, there are some circumstances where a doctor will prescribe Rabeprazole on a case-by-case basis. Consult your doctor before taking Rabeprazole if you:

• are allergic to another proton pump inhibitor
• have a stomach tumour
• have ever had liver disease
• take Atazanavir (a HIV medication)
• have a specific blood test coming up (Chromagranin A)

Taking Rabeprazole for acid reflux can cause some side effects, although not everyone will get them. For most, side effects will be mild and temporary. For others, they may be more severe.

The most common side effects of Rabeprazole include:

• increased risk of infection
• insomnia
• headaches
• dizziness
• a cough or sore throat
• diarrhoea or vomiting
• back pain
• pain with an unknown cause
• feeling weak

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of Rabeprazole side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Rabeprazole can be taken long-term if necessary, but most prescriptions for acid reflux will last for 4-8 weeks. This is usually enough time to reduce excess stomach acid to a healthy level, bring symptoms under control, and allow the oesophagus to heal. Taking this treatment long-term risks vitamin B12 deficiency and low magnesium.

Your doctor will determine a safe length of treatment with Rabeprazole and prescribe based on your condition and medical history.

The best time of day to take Rabeprazole depends on how often you take it, and on your doctor’s advice. In general, for those taking it once per day, it’s best to take Rabeprazole in the morning 30-60 minutes before you eat. For twice-daily dosing, take one tablet in the morning and one in the evening, before breakfast and dinner, respectively.

You can also take your tablets after meals, but it works best when taken just before eating. This ensures the medicine has a chance to work before the food you eat triggers an increase in stomach acid.

Rabeprazole and Pantoprazole are both proton pump inhibitors that work in the same way to reduce stomach acid, but they are distinct medicines. They differ in their chemical structure, dosage options, manufacturers, and how quickly they take effect, meaning one may be more suitable for you than the other.

Yes, you can take antacids alongside Rabeprazole provided your doctor has told you it is safe. This can be particularly helpful when you first begin treatment, before the effects of Rabeprazole can be felt fully. Never take more than the maximum dose of either medicine and always tell your doctor if you plan to take medicines together.

Both acid reflux treatments work well to protect you from heartburn, but neither is regarded as “better” than the other. Omeprazole is more commonly prescribed and well-studied, whereas Rabeprazole is better tolerated by some with fewer drug interactions. Whichever one you choose, you can usually switch treatments under your doctor’s supervision if you feel the other might suit you better.

No, you cannot get Rabeprazole without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

To see if you’re eligible for treatment, all you have to do is complete a short online consultation. If approved by our medical team, you can then buy the acid reflux medication Rabeprazole and it will be delivered direct to your door in discreet packaging.