(ARA) – Acid reflux disease (ARD), also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affects nearly 19 million Americans, and is characterized by heartburn occurring two or more days a week despite treatment and diet changes. Susan had lived with the symptoms of ARD for years until she went to her doctor and was diagnosed.

“I was busy and younger when my heartburn symptoms first occurred,” says Susan, a retired college professor and former clinical researcher from State College, Pennsylvania, who first experienced signs of ARD years ago. “I tried over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, which helped but not enough. I went to the doctor and he explained how acid reflux happens, and suggested that I should work to better manage my stress – which is hard for me.”

As time went on, it became harder and harder for Susan to ignore her heartburn symptoms. She began taking steps to better manage her heartburn symptoms, making several lifestyle changes, such as sleeping while propped up and trying to maintain a healthy body weight. Susan also tried to reduce her stress through such things like walking and other exercises.

“Working with my doctor, we were able to find a treatment plan that was right for me, which included taking the medication Dexilant,” Susan says. “I began taking Dexilant, and it helped relieve my heartburn symptoms. Each person’s experience with ARD is very personal, so the best thing to do if you have or think you might have acid reflux disease, is to speak with your doctor to find out more about the condition and what might be right for you.”

To help educate people like Susan who have ARD, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., the makers of Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), partnered with celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn on the “Don’t Let it Burn” campaign to raise awareness around ARD and the importance of finding ways to manage their symptoms, including diet and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle tips, music, heartburn-friendly recipes and more can all be found on DontLetitBurn.com.

“It is very important for patients to be proactive and understand that if they experience symptoms of heartburn frequently, they should reach out to their healthcare providers to find out if what they’re experiencing is acid reflux disease, and if so, what courses of action might be possible to manage this condition,” says David A. Peura, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine. “When I work with ARD patients, we counsel diet and lifestyle modifications, but often for many patients, a medication is also needed to manage the symptoms. One treatment option I prescribe for my appropriate ARD patients is Dexilant because it can offer up to 24 hours of heartburn relief.”

To learn more, visit www.DontLetitBurn.com. You can also hear from celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, and get tips, helpful information and facts about acid reflux disease, including:

• Acid reflux disease can occur in both men and women, with varying severity of the disease among patients
• Lifestyle modifications are part of a treatment plan to help manage a patient’s acid reflux disease. Some include:
• • Avoid common trigger foods, such as fried or fatty foods, citrus foods, onions, and tomato-based foods as well as alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, chocolate, peppermint and spearmint
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Eat small, frequent meals rather than large amounts of food at one time
  • Try not to wear tight-fitting clothing around your waist
  • Elevate the head of your bed 6-8 inches
  • Be smoke-free

About Dexilant (dexlansoprazole) 30 mg and 60 mg delayed release capsules

Persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes, could be acid reflux disease (ARD). Prescription Dexilant capsules are used in adults for 4 weeks to treat heartburn related to ARD, for up to 8 weeks to heal acid-related damage to the lining of the esophagus (called erosive esophagitis or EE), and for up to 6 months to continue healing of EE and relief of heartburn. Individual results may vary. Most damage (erosions) heals in 4-8 weeks.

Important Safety Information

Dexilant may not be right for everyone. Do not take Dexilant if you are allergic to Dexilant or any of its ingredients. Serious allergic reactions have been reported. Tell your doctor if you get any of the following symptoms with Dexilant: rash, face swelling, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing. Symptom relief does not rule out other serious stomach conditions. People who are taking multiple daily doses of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medicines for a long period of time may have an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, or spine. Low magnesium levels can happen in some people who take a PPI medicine.

The most common side effects of Dexilant were diarrhea (4.8%), stomach pain (4.0%), nausea (2.9%), common cold (1.9%), vomiting (1.6%), and gas (1.6%). Dexilant and certain other medicines can affect each other. Before taking Dexilant, tell your doctor if you are taking ampicillin, atazanavir, digoxin, iron, ketoconazole, tacrolimus, or methotrexate. If you are taking Dexilant with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur. Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional. Please see accompanying Prescribing Information for Dexilant.

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.

To hear more from Spike and to learn about the treatment option Dexilant, please visit DontLetitBurn.com.