Compare Aciphex vs. Nexium
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats heartburn and ulcers.
Aciphex (rabeprazole) is good for treating heartburn and ulcers, but should not be used long-term.
Treats heartburn and stomach ulcers.
Nexium (esomeprazole) gives you long-lasting heartburn relief but has some risks if used long term.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 1239 reviewsforNexium
Upsides
- Aciphex (rabeprazole) works better than over-the-counter medications that have not relieved your acid reflux.
- The delayed-release pill provides relief over 24 hours.
- Aciphex (rabeprazole) can be taken with or without food.
- The capsule can be safely used by children as young as 1 year old.
- Most people can take Nexium (esomeprazole) without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
- Nexium (esomeprazole) lasts longer than other types of antacids (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums), and you only need to take it once a day.
- You can take it in combination with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need quicker relief.
- Nexium (esomeprazole) is inexpensive, with over-the-counter and generic options.
- Coupons are available for the brand name - speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- The packet form is a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills.They can be mixed with water for easier swallowing.
Downsides
- Using Aciphex (rabeprazole) for a long time can can weaken your bones or increase your risk for infectious diarrhea.
- Lowers magnesium and vitamin B12 in your body so you may need to take supplements.
- Aciphex (rabeprazole) interferes with how many medications work.
- Doesn't start working right away like antacids (Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox).
- It can take several days or weeks to start feeling benefits.
- May not be the best choice for patients 65 years of age and older due to risk of bone fractures and severe diarrhea.
Used for
- Acid Reflux
- Stomach ulcers
- GERD
- H. Pylori bacterial infection
- Prevention and treatment of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers
Dosage forms
- Delayed release pill
- Pill
- Injection
- Packet
Price
Lowest price
$13.00
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$19.84
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
1239 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Nexium (esomeprazole)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
5possible side effects
- Headache10%
- Diarrhea5%
- Nausea5%
- Vomiting4%
- Abdominal pain4%
The Nexium (esomeprazole) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney inflammation
- Severe diarrhea
- Being hospitalized
- Antibiotic use
- Bone fractures
- High dose Aciphex (rabeprazole)
- Taking Aciphex (rabeprazole) for longer than one year
- Low bone mineral density
- Age 50 years or older
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Taking steroids or anti-seizure medicines
- Low levels of magnesium and vitamin B12
- Lupus
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney injury
- Severe diarrhea
- Being treated at a hospital
- Bone fractures
- High dose Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Long-term treatment with Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Low bone mineral density
- Aged 65 years or older
- Lupus