OMIRA

What is Omira?

Omira, available as 20 mg tablets, contains Rabeprazole, which suppresses gastric acid production in the stomach and hence treats conditions that are caused by hyper production of stomach acid.

In what conditions Omira can be used?

• To treat the symptoms of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• To treat Zollinger-Ellison syndrome in adults.

• Omira is used to treat ulcers and is used in combination with other medications to eliminate Helicopter pylori, bacteria that cause ulcers in adults. 

• Omira is also used in adults to promote healing of duodenal ulcers and erosive esophagitis 
• Omira may also be used in:

• Non cardiac chest pain
• NSAIDs induced gastritis
• Functional dyspepsia
• Stomach ulcers

 How does Omira work?                     

Omira acts to decrease gastric acid secretion, which reduces stomach acidity. It is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors or PPIs which block the production of acid by the stomach.

How to take Omira?

Omira tablets should be administered orally and the whole tablet has to be swallowed with water (Crushing or chewing the tablet should be strictly avoided.)

The recommended dosage regimen is;

• GERD: 20 mg orally once a day up to 4 weeks
• Reflux esophagitis: 20 mg orally once a day up to 4-8 weeks
• Gastric (stomach) Ulcer: 20 mg orally once a day for 4-8 weeks
• Duodenal (intestinal) Ulcer: 20 mg orally once a day up to 4 weeks
• Zollinger Ellison Syndrome: 60 mg orally once a day
• Helicobacter pylori infection: 20 mg orally 2 times a day, taken concomitantly with amoxicillin and clarithromycin for 7 days

     Better efficacy if taken 30 minutes before meal.

Take Omira exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

What to do if a dose is missed?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you don’t remember until it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it setting an alarm might be helpful to remind you.

What do you need to know before you take Omira?               

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any component of the formulation.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
• low levels of magnesium in your blood;
• lupus; or
• Osteoporosisor low bone mineral density
• Liver Disease

Do not hesitate to provide information to your healthcare provider about the underlying health conditions that you have and also about other medicines that you are currently taking.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Ask your doctor for the precautions you need to take while using Omira if you are due to have an endoscopy
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you have liver problems so as to take the necessary precautions.
• If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor.Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
• Patients on long-term treatment (particularly those treated for more than a year) should be kept under regular surveillance.

 Can Omira be taken during pregnancy?

As a precautionary measure, Omira is not recommended during pregnancy. However, you may consult with your healthcare provider in case of unavoidable use.

Can lactating mothers consume Omira?

Use of Omira during breastfeeding is not recommended.

Possible Side effects:                          

Omira may cause some side effects. Tell your doctor if symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, gas and sore throat are severe or do not go away.