Prevacid

The active ingredient in Prevacid is lansoprazole. Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that decreases the amount of acid being produced in the stomach. Overproduction of stomach acid can be irritating to the stomach lining if there are ulcers and delay their proper healing. An excess of stomach acid can also cause GERD where people experience frequent heartburn and chest pain due to the acid making its way up the esophagus. For conditions like these, PPIs like Prevacid are a suitable treatment.

Other PPIs include omeprazole, pantoprazole, and dexlansoprazole. Depending on the condition being treated, Prevacid may be intended for long-term or short-term treatment.

In patients with a stomach ulcer due to an H. pylori infection, Prevacid may be used alongside a combination of antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin to help treat the infection.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Prevacid. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Prevacid:

• Typically, Prevacid is taken by mouth daily for most conditions. Depending on the condition it is being used for, it may be meant for short-term or long-term use. Talk to your healthcare provider about the duration of treatment. They will know what is best to recommend for you.
• Take Prevacid 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating for best results.
• Prevacid is available in two dosage forms: delayed-release capsules and delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets.
• If using the delayed-release capsules, take the capsules whole and do not chew them. If you have difficulty swallowing, capsules may be opened and contents sprinkled on applesauce, pudding, cottage cheese, or yogurt. Contents may also be added to a small volume of apple juice, orange juice, or tomato juice for ease of administration.
• If using Prevacid SoluTab or the delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets, place them on the tongue to melt. It should dissolve within 1 minute. Do not cut or break the tablets. Do not chew any of the remaining granules. Instead, you may follow up with water to swallow anything that is left.
• Antacids may be used while taking Prevacid.
• Do not use in children under 1 year of age.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of Prevacid include:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach pain
• Nausea

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Prevacid. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of kidney problems such as blood in the urine or a decrease in the total amount you urinate per day
• Signs of a bacterial infection in the intestines such as severe and persistent stomach pain, fever, and frequent watery stools
• Signs of an autoimmune disorder called lupus erythematosus such as new or worsening joint pain and a rash on the cheeks or arms that worsens with sun exposure
• Stomach growths or fundic gland polyps
• Signs of a severe skin reaction such as a skin rash with blistering, peeling, and or bleeding along with other symptoms such as fever, chills, aches, difficulty breathing, and swelling of glands in the neck. These symptoms could be signs of life-threatening skin reactions such as SJS, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), DRESS, or AGEP.

The following serious side effects are more common with long-term use of Prevacid:

• Bone fractures (especially in the wrist, hip, or spine). There is an increased risk of this side effect in people with osteoporosis who receive a high dose of Prevacid for a prolonged period of time.
• Signs of low magnesium levels such as jitteriness, aches, seizures, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and muscle spasms affecting the hands, feet, or voice.
• Signs of a vitamin B-12 deficiency such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, pale skin, fatigue, mood changes, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs

These are not all of the possible side effects of Prevacid. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Prevacid, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Mineral deficiencies, especially low magnesium, calcium, potassium, or sodium
• Signs of esophageal or gastric cancer such as unexpected weight loss, difficulty swallowing, stomach pain, black stools, mucus or blood in stools, and/or a lump on the abdominal area
• Liver disease
• Phenylketonuria
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

Do not use Prevacid if you have:

• A known allergic reaction to lansoprazole or any of the ingredients found in Prevacid delayed-release capsules or Prevacid delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets.
• Are using a medication with rilpivirine

It may take 1 to 4 days of consistent daily use for Prevacid to take full effect.

When Prevacid is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Antiretrovirals such as rilpivirine, atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, etc.
• Warfarin
• Methotrexate
• Digoxin
• Sucralfate
• Theophylline
• Iron
• Erlotinib
• Dasatinib
• Nilotinib
• Mycophenolate mofetil
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
• Tacrolimus
• Diuretics

Prevacid is available as a delayed-release capsule in the following strengths:

• 15 mg
• 30 mg

Prevacid SoluTab is a delayed-release orally disintegrating tablet that comes in the following strengths:

• 15 mg
• 30 mg

Prevacid SoluTab also contains phenylalanine which may be harmful to patients with phenylketonuria. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.

Although Prevacid is typically a prescription product available from pharmacies, there is also an over-the-counter (OTC) version available known as Prevacid 24hr. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on which option would be best for you.

Prevacid should be stored at room temperature, away from light, excess heat, excess cold, and out of reach of children.

Prevacid is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

Yes, there is a generic version of the brand name Prevacid available.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Prevacid. Over time, stomach acid secretion will typically return to baseline after discontinuation.

Prevacid hasn’t been well studied in pregnant women. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown if Prevacid passes into the breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.