Heartburn FAQs (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Heartburn FAQs Introduction
- Why does the acid back up into the esophagus?
- Do spicy foods cause heartburn?
- Why do I always get heartburn at night?
- Sometimes I get a sour taste in my mouth when I bend over--what is that?
- How common is heartburn?
- Is heartburn a serious condition?
- What kinds of complications are caused by frequent heartburn?
- If I have heartburn, should I see my health care provider?
- Aren't there any tests for heartburn?
- What is the treatment for heartburn?
- What are my options if these treatments don't work?
- When is surgery needed for heartburn?
- How can I prevent heartburn?
- What happens if I stop treatment?
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Multimedia
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
When is surgery needed for heartburn?
If prescription drugs are not relieving heartburn, or if you have serious complications of heartburn, you may need surgery. The operation is relatively simple and is called fundoplication. Its purpose is to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. The stomach is tied in such a way as to prevent acid from flowing backward into the esophagus. This surgery is successful for more than 85% of people.
Next: How can I prevent heartburn? »
Important Safety Information
- KAPIDEX may not be right for everyone. You should not take KAPIDEX if you are allergic to KAPIDEX or any of its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions have been reported.
- Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions.
- The most common side effects of KAPIDEX were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). KAPIDEX and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking KAPIDEX, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, or tacrolimus. If you are taking KAPIDEX with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.
Uses of KAPIDEX
- Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription KAPIDEX capsules are used in adults to treat heartburn related to ARD, to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and to stop EE from coming back. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4–8 weeks.
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see full Prescribing Information for KAPIDEX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KAPIDEX™ is a trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.
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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease »
Gastroesophageal reflux is a normal physiological phenomenon experienced intermittently by most people, particularly after a meal.
