PTINR.com
Aciphex & Warfarin
Sunday, July 1, 2007
PTINR.com Staff
Used to prevent heartburn Aciphex may cause heartburn for patients taking warfarin based on drug interaction risk
One ACIPHEX 20 mg tablet daily is used for the treatment of persistent, frequent (2 or more days a week) heartburn and other symptoms associated with acid reflux disease.
ACIPHEX is also used for the short-term (4 to 8 weeks) treatment in the healing and symptom relief of damaging (erosive) acid reflux disease (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and to maintain healing of damage (erosion) and relief of heartburn symptoms that happen with acid reflux disease. ACIPHEX has not been studied for treatment lasting longer than 12 months (1 year).
ACIPHEX has a well-established safety profile. The most common side effect possibly related to ACIPHEX is headache. Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions. Patients on warfarin (Coumadin ®) (such as Coumadin®) may need to be monitored more closely by their doctor. http://www.aciphex.com/
Weekly home testing allows patients on warfarin to identify drug interactions sooner than those patients who test monthly. Identifying an increasing INR test result before it reaches a dangerously high level may prevent a major or fatal bleeding event. Major bleeds require an average hospital stay of 6 days at an average cost of greater than $15,900 per admission.
Weekly home testing is a cost-effective decision to improve INR control and eliminate dangerously high and low test results. Monitors, test strips and training is provided by QAS, Inc. and can be reached at: 800-298-4515.