Chef Spike Mendelsohn Dishes on How to Turn Down the Heat on Acid Reflux Disease

DEERFIELD, Ill., May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn knows all too well the effects of a busy and hectic lifestyle – especially for a person with acid reflux disease (ARD). But while he's used to firing up the grill, Chef Spike has also had to learn how to turn down the heat on his heartburn associated with ARD. To raise awareness and understanding about the importance of managing heartburn symptoms of ARD, including through lifestyle modifications, Chef Spike is cooking up an exciting recipe with Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (Takeda), makers of the prescription medication DEXILANT (dexlansoprazole), through the educational campaign and contest, Don't Let it Burn (DontLetitBurn.com).

"Food is not only one of my passions, it's my life and as a chef, I know all about long days and nights. And, for me, certain foods and stress can aggravate my symptoms," Chef Spike shared. "But as the saying goes, if I can't take the heat, I should get out of the kitchen. So I've worked with my doctor to come up with a treatment plan that, for me, includes taking DEXILANT, which helps me to manage my acid reflux disease."

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux disease is often a chronic condition affecting nearly 19 million Americans, and is characterized by persistent heartburn that occurs two or more days a week despite treatment and diet changes. Acid reflux disease should be managed with lifestyle changes and by working closely with a physician, not only to help relieve the uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms, but to heal damage (erosions) in the esophagus, a condition known as erosive esophagitis (EE).

"In the 40 years I've spent in clinical practice, I have seen many patients like Spike who have busy schedules, and who are concerned with their condition. For many people, symptoms can recur despite adjustments made to one's diet, lifestyle and treatment," said David A. Peura, M.D., Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA. "A helpful treatment option is the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) DEXILANT, which can provide up to 24 hours of heartburn relief for acid reflux disease. DEXILANT has a Dual Delayed Release formulation, which means that it provides two separate releases of medication in one pill."

Contest: How Do You Turn Down the Flame on Heartburn Associated with ARD?

"Those who know me from reality television shows, have eaten in my restaurants or are familiar with my cookbook, know I love food – and also know how things can get heated in the kitchen," said Chef Spike. "Visit DontLetitBurn.com to learn more about my story and to find out how to enter the "Don't Let it Burn" Contest for the chance to win an opportunity to cook dinner with me. When you are on the site, you can also share your recipes for not triggering the burn."

To enter the "Don't Let it Burn" Contest*, visit DontLetitBurn.com to submit a favorite recipe that shouldn't impact your heartburn related to ARD. All contest rules and details are available on DontLetitBurn.com.

Help Put Out the Fire of Acid Reflux Disease

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus, which can happen when the valve between the stomach and esophagus is not working properly. Affecting both men and women, persistent heartburn two or more days a week, despite treatment and diet changes could be a sign of ARD. The esophagus may become irritated and possibly damaged with continued exposure to stomach acid, a condition known as erosive esophagitis. ARD affects people differently, so it is important to talk to a doctor about symptoms.  

"For more than 15 years, Takeda has been committed to supporting patients with digestive diseases," said Heather Dean, Senior Director Marketing, Takeda. "We truly believe Don't Let it Burn will further encourage individuals to help take control of their acid reflux disease and to work with their health care professional, an important step in appropriately managing their symptoms."

With personal tips from Chef Spike, the new website, DontLetitBurn.com, offers information and tips for everyday management of acid reflux disease symptoms. To help reduce heartburn associated with ARD, some common triggers to avoid include: consuming fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol; eating close to bedtime; smoking and wearing tight-fitting clothes around your waist. An ARD-combatting to-do list includes maintaining a healthy body weight, elevating the head of the bed, and eating small, frequent meals rather than large amounts of food at one time.

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

DEXILANT is a PPI, which decreases acid production by turning off many of the acid pumps in the stomach, thus helping to protect the esophagus from acid reflux so that esophageal inflammation can heal. DEXILANT combines an enantiomer of lansoprazole with a Dual Delayed Release (DDR) formulation designed to provide two separate releases of medication. DEXILANT is indicated for healing all grades of erosive esophagitis (EE) for up to 8 weeks, maintaining healing of EE and relief of heartburn for up to 6 months, and treating heartburn associated with symptomatic non-erosive GERD for 4 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, or tacrolimus. If you are taking DEXILANT with warfarin, you may need to be monitored because serious risks could occur.

Talk to your doctor or health care 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.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.

Based in Deerfield, Ill., Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, the largest pharmaceutical company in Japan. The respective companies currently market oral diabetes, insomnia, rheumatology, and gastroenterology and cardiovascular treatments and seek to bring innovative products to patients through a pipeline that includes compounds in development for metabolic and cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, neurology and other conditions. To learn more about these Takeda companies, visit www.tpna.com.

*No Purchase Necessary to Enter or Win in the Don't Let it Burn Contest. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Starts 12:00:01 am ET on 5/2/12, ends 11:59:59 pm ET on 6/13/12. Open only to legal residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. (D.C.) (excludes AK and HI) 21+ years. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules available at www.DontLetitBurn.com. Sponsor: Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.

SOURCE Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.