Axid AR

Axid AR is used for:

Treating and preventing ulcers. It is also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to treat and maintain healing of erosive esophagitis. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Axid AR is a histamine H₂antagonist. It works by reducing acid in the stomach by blocking one of the chemicals (histamine) that stimulates the production of stomach acid.

Do NOT use Axid AR if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Axid AR or other H₂ antagonists (eg, famotidine)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Axid AR :

Some medical conditions may interact with Axid AR . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver problems
• if you have a history of the blood disease porphyria

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Axid AR . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Ketoconazole because effectiveness may be decreased by Axid AR

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Axid AR may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Axid AR :

Use Axid AR as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Axid AR maybe taken with or without food.
• Continue to use Axid AR even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Antacids may be taken as needed to help relieve stomach pain, unless your health care provider instructed otherwise.
• If you miss a dose of Axid AR , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Axid AR .

Important safety information:

• Axid AR may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Axid AR . Using Axid AR alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Use Axid AR with extreme caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Use Axid AR with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 12 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Axid AR , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Axid AR during pregnancy. Axid AR is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Axid AR .

Possible side effects of Axid AR :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing; fast heartbeat; restlessness; tremor; vomiting.

Store Axid AR at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Axid AR out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Axid AR , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Axid AR is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Axid AR . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.