Gastrointestinal / Generic Protonix

Protonix is used for:

The short-term treatment (7 to 10 days) of severe inflammation and erosion of the esophagus due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, or stomach contents rising back into the esophagus) in adults. The injection is only used when the oral form of Protonix cannot be taken. Protonix(pantoprazole) is also used to treat certain conditions associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and similar conditions.

Protonix is a proton pump inhibitor. It reduces gastric acid secretion by blocking the final step of acid production by the stomach lining. This decreases the discomfort caused by the stomach contents rising back into the esophagus.

Do NOT use Protonix if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Protonix

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

Before using Protonix :

Some medical conditions may interact with Protonix. 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 liver problems

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

• Clarithromycin or voriconazole because side effects and toxic effects associated with Protonix may be increased
• Digoxin or methotrexate because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
• HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Protonix

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Protonix 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 Protonix :

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

• Protonix is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Protonix at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Protonix contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Protonix should not be taken within 4 hours of imidazoles (eg, ketoconazole).
• If you miss a dose of Protonix , contact your doctor for further instruction.

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

Important safety information:

• Protonix may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Protonix. Using Protonix alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Protonix may affect the results of certain lab tests (eg, false positive urine screen for THC/marijuana). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Protonix.
• Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when full.
• LAB TESTS, such as liver function, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Protonix is not recommended for use in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Protonix during pregnancy. It is unknown if Protonix is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Protonix , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Protonix :

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:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; indigestion; nausea; pain and swelling at the injection site; runny nose; sleeplessness; stomach pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain.