Dexlansoprazole should be used as prescribed by your doctor for different duration and dosage as per your underlying condition and the response to treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit. Depending on the illness you are being treated for, you may need it for a short term, or long term. Do not stop taking it even if you feel better as it may worsen your condition. Talk to your doctor before stopping Dexlansoprazole if you have completed your course or if you wish to come off Dexlansoprazole.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when high acid secretion in your stomach enters your food pipe (esophagus) and causes a burning feeling in chest (heartburn) or throat, sour taste or burping. Dexlansoprazole acts by decreasing the acid produced in the stomach and relieves the symptoms of GERD.

Dexlansoprazole can cause osteoporosis (thinning of bones) as it decreases the calcium absorption leading to calcium deficiency. This leads to an increased risk of bone fractures on long-term use, like hip, wrist or spine fractures. Inform your doctor if you have osteoporosis or if you are taking corticosteroids (these can increase the risk of osteoporosis) before starting your therapy. Consult your doctor on ways to prevent this. Your doctor may advise you calcium or vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk.

Yes, Dexlansoprazole may cause diarrhea as a side effect in some people. This is usually not bothersome, but if you experience persistent watery stools that do not go away, along with stomach cramps and fever, get medical help immediately. These symptoms are most likely because of the overgrowth of harmful bacteria called C. difficile and the diarrhea is known as Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD). Use of Dexlansoprazole lowers the natural stomach acid which normally helps to kill bacteria and this can cause this uncontrollable diarrhea associated with stomach cramps and fever.

Long-term use of Dexlansoprazole can lower your magnesium levels in patients taking multiple daily doses for a year or longer (at least 3 months). Get your magnesium levels checked at regular intervals.Tell your doctor if you experience seizures, dizziness, abnormal or fast heartbeat, jitteriness, jerking movements or shaking (tremors), muscle weakness, spasms of the hands and feet, cramps, muscle aches or spasm of the voice box.

No, alcohol intake is not advised with Dexlansoprazole. Alcohol itself does not affect the working of Dexlansoprazole, but it can increase the acid production. This may further cause worsening of your symptoms.

Yes, Dexlansoprazole is relatively safe to use. Most of the people who take Dexlansoprazole do not get a side effect. It is advised to be taken as directed by the doctor for maximum benefit.

Yes, you can take antacids along with Dexlansoprazole. Take it 2 hours before or after you take Dexlansoprazole.

If you have been taking Dexlansoprazole for a long time, stopping it abruptly may lead to increased acid production, thereby worsening your symptoms. Therefore, you must discuss any dose changes or if you wish to come off Dexlansoprazole.