From the Guidelines
Rabeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), can cause several side effects, including diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, and magnesium deficiency, and its long-term use may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, bone fractures, and certain infections. The most common side effects of rabeprazole include headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, and dizziness 1. Some patients may experience constipation, gas, or vomiting. More serious but less common side effects include severe stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, persistent sore throat, fever, unusual tiredness, easy bruising or bleeding, and signs of magnesium deficiency such as muscle cramps or irregular heartbeat.
Side Effects and Risks
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal infections
- Magnesium deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Bone fractures
- Kidney problems
- Certain infections like Clostridium difficile
According to a study published in the Annual Review of Nutrition, long-term use of PPIs, including rabeprazole, may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, and bone fractures 1. The study found that the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency was higher in patients who took PPIs for more than 2 years, and that the risk of iron deficiency was higher in patients who took PPIs for more than 1 year.
Management of Side Effects
If you experience severe or persistent side effects while taking rabeprazole, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately rather than discontinuing the medication abruptly. Your healthcare provider may recommend switching to alternative treatments, such as diet or topical steroid, if the side effects are clearly caused by the PPI 1. It is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of rabeprazole and to monitor patients for potential side effects, especially during long-term use.
In terms of monitoring, patients on long-term PPI therapy should be monitored for signs of magnesium deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and bone fractures 1. Additionally, patients with a history of kidney problems or certain infections should be closely monitored while taking rabeprazole. By being aware of the potential side effects and risks associated with rabeprazole, healthcare providers can provide better care and management for their patients.
From the FDA Drug Label
Rabeprazole sodium delayed-release tablets can cause serious side effects, including: · A type of kidney problem (acute interstitial nephritis) · Diarrhea caused by an infection (Clostridium difficile) in your intestines. · Bone fractures (hip, wrist, or spine) · Certain types of lupus erythematosus. Rabeprazole sodium delayed-release tablets can have other serious side effects.
The possible side effects of rabeprazole sodium delayed-release tablets include:
- Kidney problems (acute interstitial nephritis)
- Diarrhea caused by an infection (Clostridium difficile)
- Bone fractures (hip, wrist, or spine)
- Lupus erythematosus Other serious side effects may occur, but the label does not provide a comprehensive list 2
From the Research
Side Effects of Rabeprazole
Rabeprazole is a type of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that is commonly used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. While PPIs have a favorable safety profile, long-term use has been associated with several potential side effects, including:
- Bone fractures: Studies have shown that long-term use of PPIs, including rabeprazole, may increase the risk of bone fractures, particularly in older adults 3, 4.
- Hypomagnesemia: PPI use has been linked to an increased risk of hypomagnesemia, a condition characterized by low magnesium levels in the blood 5, 6.
- Impaired nutrient absorption: PPIs may also impair the absorption of other nutrients, including calcium, vitamin B12, and iron 3.
Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
The exact mechanisms by which PPIs, including rabeprazole, contribute to these side effects are not fully understood. However, it is thought that long-term acid suppression may lead to changes in the way the body absorbs nutrients and minerals. Clinicians should be aware of these potential side effects and take steps to minimize them, such as using the lowest effective dose of PPIs and monitoring patients for signs of nutrient deficiencies 4, 6.