Product Description:

• Generic name: pantoprazole


• Drug class: Proton pump inhibitors

What is pantoprazole?

• Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.


• Pantoprazole is used to treat erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) in adults and children who are at least 5 years old. Pantoprazole is usually given for up to 8 weeks at a time while your esophagus heals.


• Pantoprazole is also used to treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other conditions involving excess stomach acid.

Warnings

• Pantoprazole is not for the immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.


• Heartburn is often confused with the first symptoms of a heart attack. Seek emergency medical attention if you have chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and a general ill feeling.


• Long-term treatment with pantoprazole may also make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12, resulting in a deficiency of this vitamin. Talk with your doctor if you need long-term pantoprazole treatment and you have concerns about vitamin B-12 deficiency.


• Pantoprazole can cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you have blood in your urine.


• Diarrhea may be a sign of a new infection. Call your doctor if you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it.


• Pantoprazole may cause new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Tell your doctor if you have joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.


• You may be more likely to have a broken bone while taking this medicine long term or more than once per day.

Before taking this medicine

• Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

You should not use this medicine if:

• you also take medicine that contains rilpivirine(Edurant, Complera, Juluca, Odefsey);


• if you had breathing problems, kidney problems, or a severe allergic reaction after taking pantoprazole in the past; or you are allergic to pantoprazole or similar medicines (lansoprazole, omeprazole, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and others).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• low levels of magnesium in your blood;


• lupus; or osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.


• You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using pantoprazole long-term or more than once per day. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy, especially if you are an adult over 50.


• It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.


• You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.


• Pantoprazole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 5 years old.


• Pantoprazole pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings 

How should I use pantoprazole?

• Take pantoprazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.


• Use the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time needed to treat your condition.


• Pantoprazole is taken by mouth (oral) or given as an infusion into a vein (injection). A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the injection by yourself.


• Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.


• Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.


• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse while you are using this medicine.


• Pantoprazole can cause false results with certain medical tests. Tell the doctor or laboratory staff that you are using this medicine.


• Pantoprazole may also affect a drug-screening urine test and you may have false results. Tell the laboratory staff that you use this medicine.


• Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease:

• Parenteral: 40 mg once a day for 7 to 10 days, administered via intravenous