Generic Prevacid

Chemical Name: LANSOPRAZOLE

Common uses

Prevacid (LANSOPRAZOLE) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), erosive esophagitis, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Lansoprazole may also be used to treat ulcers due to long-term use of certain pain/anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This medicine works by blocking acid production in the stomach. It may be used in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking ampicillin, cilostazol, digoxin, iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, sucralfate, theophylline, vitamins with iron, vorconizole, or warfarin.

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver disease, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine in the morning unless your doctor directs otherwise. Take this medicine before eating. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled into soft food (e.g., applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt), or emptied into a small amount (2 oz or 60 ml) of juice and taken as directed. Rinse the container with an additional small amount of juice and drink the contents to make sure the entire dose is taken.

Do not chew the food/medication mixture or prepare a supply in advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects. Potent acid-reducing medicines such as lansoprazole can decrease the effectiveness of sucralfate, as well as other drugs such as the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole. If instructed to take any of these medicines while taking lansoprazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing of each dose. For example, if you are instructed to take sucralfate in addition to lansoprazole, it is best to take the lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before your sucralfate. Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 to 30 degrees c) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Continue taking this medicine even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment include constipation or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience stomach pain. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

If you are taking this medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.