Newly Approved GERD Drug Melts in Your Mouth

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved dexlansoprazole (Dexilant SoluTab/Takeda Pharmaceuticals), a new formulation for the treatment of heartburn-associated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults age 18 and older.

Dexilant SoluTab has been available as a capsule for the last seven years, and this proton pump inhibitor (PPI) can also be used for the maintenance of healed erosive esophagitis and heartburn.

Thomas Gibbs, senior vice president, General Medicines, Takeda, said in a press release, “This new formulation expands the Dexilant family and offers appropriate patients with GERD, who may struggle with swallowing capsules, a melt-in-your-mouth alternative.”

Dexilant SoluTab (30 or 60mg) should be taken at least 30 minutes before a meal — the tablet should melt in the patients’ mouths without water or chewing.

However, the PPI is able to be swallowed whole with water, and should not be taken with alcohol.

The most commonly reported adverse events include abdominal pain, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, and flatulence.