Prevacid Information

Pronounced: PREH-va-sid
Generic name: Lansoprazole

Why is Prevacid prescribed?

Prevacid blocks the production of stomach acid. It is prescribed for the short-term treatment (up to 4 weeks) of duodenal ulcers, (ulcers near the exit from the stomach). It is also used for up to 8 weeks in the treatment of stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (backflow of acid into the canal to the stomach), and a condition called erosive esophagitis (severe inflammation of the canal). Once a duodenal ulcer or case of esophagitis has cleared up, the doctor may continue prescribing Prevacid to prevent a relapse. Prevacid is also prescribed to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in people who develop this problem while taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn. The drug is also used for long-term treatment of certain diseases marked by excessive acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Prevacid is also prescribed as part of a combination treatment to eliminate the H. pylori infection that causes most cases of duodenal ulcer.

Most important fact about Prevacid

To relieve your symptoms and to heal your ulcer, you need to take Prevacid for the full time of treatment your doctor prescribes. Keep taking the drug even if you begin to feel better, and be sure to keep your appointments with your doctor.

How should you take this medication?

Prevacid should be taken before meals. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, you can sprinkle the contents on a tablespoon of applesauce; swallow immediately without chewing or crushing the granules. You can also mix the granules with 2 ounces of orange juice or tomato juice. (Rinse the glass with an additional 4 ounces of juice to make sure you get the entire dose.)

Alternatively, you can use Prevacid for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension. Empty the packet into 2 tablespoonfuls of water, stir well, and swallow immediately. Do not use any other liquid, and avoid chewing or crushing the granules. If any material remains in the glass, add more water, stir, and drink immediately.

If you are taking antacids for pain, you may continue to do so. You also may continue to take sucralfate (Carafate), but take your dose of Prevacid at least 30 minutes prior to the Carafate.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from moisture.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Prevacid.

More common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea

Less common side effects may include:

• abdominal pain
• constipation
• nausea

Rare side effects may include:

• abnormal thinking and dreams
• acne
• aggravation of hostility
• agitation
• allergic reaction
• anemia
• anxiety
• apathy
• arthritis
• asthma
• back pain
• bad breath
• belching
• black or discolored stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in the urine
• breast development in males
• breast enlargement
• breast pain and tenderness
• bronchitis
• chest pain (including severe pain)
• chills
• colitis
• confusion
• convulsions
• cough
• coughing up blood
• deafness
• decreased or increased sex drive
• dehydration
• depression
• diabetes
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• dry or inflamed eyes
• dry mouth
• ear disorders
• enlarged abdomen
• eye pain
• fainting
• fever
• fluid retention
• "flu-like" symptoms
• flushing
• gallstones
• gas
• general feeling of illness
• gout
• hair loss
• hallucinations
• heart disorders
• hiccups
• high blood pressure
• high or low blood sugar
• hives
• impotence
• increased activity or sensations
• increased appetite
• increased salivation
• indigestion
• infection
• inflammation of the esophagus or mouth
• inflammation of the stomach lining
• itching
• joint or bone disorders
• kidney problems
• kidney stones
• leg cramps
• loss of appetite
• low blood pressure
• memory loss
• menstrual problems
• mouth and tongue disorders
• mood swings
• muscle, bone or joint pain
• neck pain or rigidity
• nervousness
• nosebleeds
• pain
• paralysis
• pelvic pain
• pneumonia
• prickling, tingling or pins and needles
• rash
• rectal hemorrhage
• rectal and bladder spasms
• respiratory and lung disorders
• ringing in ears
• runny nose
• shock
• sinusitis
• skin disorders
• sleep disorders
• sore throat
• stomach and intestinal hemorrhage
• stroke
• sweating
• taste alteration
• thirst
• throbbing heartbeat
• thyroid problems
• tremors
• tumors
• urinary problems
• vaginal inflammation
• vertigo
• visual disturbances
• vomiting
• weakness
• weight gain or loss
• wheezing
• yeast infection

Why should Prevacid NOT be prescribed?

Avoid Prevacid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Special warnings about Prevacid

Do not take Prevacid any longer than your doctor has prescribed; this medication should not be used for long-term therapy of duodenal ulcer or erosive esophagitis.

If you have liver disease, be sure your doctor knows about it. Prevacid should be used cautiously.

If you do not begin to feel better on Prevacid therapy, or if your symptoms become worse, be sure to call your doctor.

Prevacid has no effect on stomach cancer. It could be present even if Prevacid relieves your symptoms.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Prevacid

If Prevacid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prevacid with the following:

• Ampicillin
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Iron salts (Ferro-Sequels, Ferro-Sulfate)
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Sucralfate (Carafate)
• Theophylline (Theo-Dur)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Prevacid in pregnant women have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor. It is not known whether Prevacid appears in human breast milk. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may have you stop breastfeeding your baby while you are taking it.

Recommended Prevacid dosage

ADULTS

For Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer

The usual dose is 15 milligrams once daily, before eating, for 4 weeks.

To Prevent Relapse of Duodenal Ulcer

Take 15 milligrams once a day.

To Eradicate Ulcer-causing Bacteria

To eliminate the H. pylori bacteria that cause most duodenal ulcers, Prevacid is taken with amoxicillin alone or amoxicillin and Biaxin. When combined with amoxicillin only, the usual dosage is 30 milligrams of Prevacid and 1 gram of amoxicillin 3 times daily for 14 days. If all three drugs are used, the usual dosage is 30 milligrams of Prevacid, 1 gram of amoxicillin, and 500 milligrams of Biaxin twice daily for 10 to 14 days.

For Treatment of Stomach Ulcer

The usual dose is 30 milligrams once a day for up to 8 weeks.

To Prevent Stomach Ulcer due to Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs

The usual dose is 15 milligrams once a day for up to 12 weeks.

For Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Take 15 milligrams once a day for up to 8 weeks.

For Treatment of Erosive Esophagitis

The usual dose is 30 milligrams daily, before eating, for up to 8 weeks. Depending on your response to the medication your doctor may suggest another 8-week treatment regimen.

Other Excess Acid Conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

The usual starting dose is 60 milligrams once daily. This dose can be adjusted upward by your doctor, depending on your response. Dosages totaling more than 120 milligrams a day should be divided into smaller doses. If you have severe liver disease, your doctor will tailor your dosage to fit your needs.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Prevacid have not been established in children.

Prevacid Overdosage

Overdoses of Prevacid are not known to cause any problems. Nevertheless, no medication should be taken in excess. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.