Dexilant (Dexlansoprazole) is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach) in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Dexlansoprazole is used to treat the damage from GERD, allow the esophagus to heal, and prevent further damage to the esophagus in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Dexlansoprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach. Dexlansoprazole (Generic) is available for purchase. 

Dexlansoprazole comes as a delayed-release (releases the medication in the intestine to allow some of the medication to be released about 1 hour after it is taken and some of the medication to be released 4 to 5 hours later) capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day. Dexlansoprazole may be taken with or without food. Take dexlansoprazole at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dexlansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew them. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, you may open the capsule, sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, and swallow immediately without chewing. You can also open a capsule and pour the contents into 20 milliliters water; using an oral syringe, draw up the entire amount, shake the syringe gently, and squirt the contents into your mouth immediately. Then draw an additional 10 mL of water into the syringe, shake gently, and squirt that water into your mouth. The capsule contents can be given through a feeding tube. If you have a feeding tube, ask your doctor how you should take the medication. Follow these directions carefully. Continue to take dexlansoprazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dexlansoprazole without talking to your doctor. If your condition does not improve or gets worse, call your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before taking dexlansoprazole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dexlansoprazole, any other medications or any of the ingredients in dexlansoprazole capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you are taking rilpivirine (Edurant, in Complera, Odefsey). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take dexlansoprazole if you are taking this medication.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), atazanavir (Reyataz), dasatinib (Sprycel), digoxin (Lanoxin), diuretics ('water pills'); erlotinib (Tarceva), iron supplements, and many others not mentioned here. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort. Your doctor may tell you not to take St. John's wort while taking dexlansoprazole.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a low level of magnesium in your blood, low levels of vitamin B12 in your body, osteoporosis, an autoimmune disease (condition in which the body attacks its own organs, causing swelling and loss of function) such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking dexlansoprazole, call your doctor.

Dexlansoprazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• gas
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately, or get emergency medical help:

• rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing or swallowing
• irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat
• excessive tiredness
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• muscle spasms, cramps, or weakness
• jitteriness
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• seizures
• severe diarrhea with watery stools, stomach pain, fever that does not go away
• new worsening joint pain
• rash on cheeks or arms that is sensitive to sunlight
• decreased urination
• blood in the urine

Dexlansoprazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. People who take proton pump inhibitors such as dexlansoprazole may be more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do not take one of these medications. People who take proton pump inhibitors may also develop fundic gland polys (a type of growth on the stomach lining). These risks are highest in people who take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or longer. Talk to your doctor about the risk of taking dexlansoprazole.

Q: Why is Dexilant prescribed?

A: Dexilant is used to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to heal erosive esophagitis 

Q: Does Dexilant have a generic alternative?

A: Dexlansoprazole (Generic) is available for purchase at a lower cost than the brand!

Q: Is there anything I should be especially aware of while on Dexilant?

A: You may be more likely to have a broken bone while taking Dexilant long term or more than once per day

Q: How long until I see the effects of Dexilant?

A: The first release of medicine occurs within an hour of taking it; the second hits four to five hours later. 

Q: What if I miss a dose of Dexilant?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).