My doctor recently gave me some Aciphex samples for my GERD. It is working very well. I haven't gotten the prescription filled yet, but before I do I want to know where I can find out more information about this new medication. I am taking the 20mg tablets once a day.

N.K.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid splashes up, or refluxes, into the esophagus. Patients commonly complain of heartburn, regurgitation and, occasionally, chest pain or a sour taste in the mouth. Although GERD is very common, most patients have a mild form with infrequent symptoms. They may not even seek medical attention and tend to treat themselves with over-the-counter antacids and H2-blocker medications (Pepcid AC, Zantac 75), which work by inhibiting the stomach's ability to produce acid.

The most potent medications available to prevent acid production by the stomach are drugs called proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). These include Prilosec, Prevacid and the drug your doctor gave you, the recently released Aciphex (rabeprazole). All of these medications are extremely effective in relieving the symptoms of GERD, with 90 percent success rates in various studies. Although minor differences exist among these drugs, they are essentially equal in regards to effectiveness. Side effects are rare, but can include diarrhea, headache and abdominal pain/bloating.

If you would like more information on Aciphex or any of the other medications used in treating GERD, you can ask your physician to give you some of the literature that the drug company (Janssen makes Aciphex) provides for patients.