Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Diarrhea:When gastric acid is decreased, the number of bacteria normally in the digestive system increases. Occasionally, this can cause serious infection in the digestive tract. If you experience severe watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, or abdominal pain while taking pantoprazole, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Electrolyte balance:Long term use of pantoprazole may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the blood to decrease. If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may do blood tests periodically to monitor the levels of these electrolytes in your blood while you are taking this medication.
Hypersensitivity reactions: On occasion, people taking pantoprazole have reported a severe skin reaction. This may be any one of a number of reactions and can include a wide range of symptoms. If you experience fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering, or other organ involvement, get immediate medical attention. These reactions can quickly become medical emergencies.
Kidney function:If you have kidney disease or decreased kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function:People with severe liver disease should generally not take more than 20mg of pantoprazole daily. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Long-term use:Long-term use of pantoprazole (e.g., every day for over 1 year)has been associated with growths in the stomach called polyps. These growths are usually harmless and do not cause symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Methotrexate interaction:Pantoprazole, like other medications in this group, may interact with methotrexate when the two medications are used at the same time. This combination may lead to higher-than-expected amounts of methotrexate in the body and can cause serious side effects, including kidney damage, irregular heartbeat, anemia, or infection. If you take pantoprazole and are also going to receive a dose of methotrexate, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Osteoporosis fractures:Long term use of pantoprazole may be related to an increased risk of bone fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine, as a result of weakened bones. This risk is further increased if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis or have risk factors for developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Severe stomach problems:If you have recurrent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool, significant unintentional weight loss, fatigue (anemia), or are coughing up blood, check with your doctor right away. Long term use of pantoprazole (longer than 1 year) has been associated with growth of polyps (abnormal growths) in the stomach.
Skin conditions:Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a skin condition that may develop in certain people taking pantoprazole or other similar medications. If you develop a rash on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, or shoulders, check with your doctor as soon as possible.
Vitamin B12:Long-term use of pantoprazole may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. If you are a vegetarian or have low vitamin B12 levels, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.
Pregnancy:This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding:This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking pantoprazole, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children:The safety and effectiveness of using this medication has not been established for children.
