Why is this medication prescribed?

Prevacid is a brand name for lansoprazole, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of conditions related to excess stomach acid. Here are some of the main reasons why Prevacid may be prescribed:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Prevacid is often prescribed to treat GERD, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and irritation.
• Peptic Ulcers: Prevacid may be used to heal and prevent peptic ulcers, which are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine.
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome: This is a rare condition where the stomach produces too much acid. Prevacid may be prescribed to manage the excessive acid production in such cases.
• Erosive Esophagitis: Inflammation and damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acid can be treated with Prevacid to allow healing.
• Helicobacter pylori Infection: In combination with antibiotics, Prevacid may be prescribed to eradicate H. pylori bacteria, which is associated with the development of peptic ulcers.

How should this medicine be used?

Prevacid (lansoprazole) is typically used to reduce the production of stomach acid and is prescribed for various conditions related to excessive gastric acid. The following general guidelines provide an overview of how Prevacid is commonly used, but it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions:

• Dosage and Timing: Prevacid is usually taken once a day, before a meal. The medication comes in different forms, including capsules, oral disintegrating tablets, and oral suspension. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the specific form and dosage prescribed for your condition.
• Swallowing Precautions: Swallow the Prevacid capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules, as they are designed to release the medication slowly.
• Consistency: Take Prevacid at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
• Combination Therapy: In some cases, Prevacid may be prescribed in combination with antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori infections. If your doctor prescribes a combination therapy, follow their instructions carefully.
• Duration of Treatment: The duration of treatment with Prevacid varies based on the specific condition being treated. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, and do not stop taking the medication without consulting them, even if you start feeling better.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may monitor your response to the medication and may adjust the dosage or treatment plan as needed.
• Interaction with Food: Prevacid can be taken with or without food. However, taking it before a meal may enhance its effectiveness.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s 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.
• Adverse Reactions: Be aware of any potential side effects or adverse reactions. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and read the medication guide that comes with the prescription. If you have any questions or concerns about how to use Prevacid, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare professional.

Other uses for this medicine

• Aspiration Pneumonia: Lansoprazole may be used to reduce the risk of stomach acid entering the lungs, which can contribute to aspiration pneumonia in certain situations.
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: In some cases, Prevacid may be considered as part of the treatment plan for eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus.
• Barrett’s Esophagus: Prevacid may be prescribed to manage symptoms and prevent complications in individuals with Barrett’s esophagus, a condition associated with chronic GERD.

What special precautions should I follow?

Here are some precautions to follow:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Prevacid with your healthcare provider.
• Liver Function: Inform your doctor if you have liver problems. Adjustments to the dosage or monitoring may be necessary.
• Bone Health: Long-term use of PPIs like Prevacid has been associated with a slightly increased risk of bone fractures. Discuss this risk with your doctor, especially if you have osteoporosis or other risk factors for bone fractures.
• Kidney Function: Individuals with severe kidney problems may require a dose adjustment or closer monitoring.
• Interactions with Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, that you are taking. Lansoprazole can interact with certain medications.
• C. difficile Infection: Prolonged use of PPIs may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Notify your doctor if you experience persistent diarrhea while taking Prevacid.
• Magnesium Levels: Long-term use of PPIs may lead to low magnesium levels. Notify your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as seizures, dizziness, abnormal or fast heartbeat, jitteriness, muscle aches, or spams.
• Gastric Malignancy: Prolonged use of PPIs, especially in high doses and over extended periods, has been associated with a small increased risk of gastric malignancy.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms or side effects promptly. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor your response to the medication and to assess any potential risks.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special Dietary Instructions for Prevacid:

• Food Timing: Prevacid can be taken with or without food. Taking it before a meal may enhance its effectiveness.
• Calcium and Vitamin B12: Long-term use of PPIs may reduce the absorption of calcium and vitamin B12. Ensure an adequate intake of these nutrients through diet or supplements if recommended by your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take It as Soon as You Remember: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Skip If Close to Next Dose: If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Don’t Double Up: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Inform Your Doctor: If you frequently forget doses or have concerns about missed doses, discuss this with your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Like any medication, Prevacid (lansoprazole) can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may not experience any. If you are prescribed Prevacid and notice any unusual or severe symptoms, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider. Common side effects of Prevacid may include:

• Digestive System:
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
• Central Nervous System: Headache
• Musculoskeletal System: Back pain
• Respiratory System: Respiratory infection
• Other Common Side Effects:
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Itching

It’s important to note that serious side effects are rare, but they can occur. If you experience any of the following severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately:

• Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe Stomach Pain: This may be a sign of a rare but serious condition known as fundic gland polyps.
• Clostridium difficile Infection: Symptoms include persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, fever, or blood/mucus in your stool.
• Low Magnesium Levels: Symptoms may include seizures, dizziness, abnormal or fast heartbeat, jitteriness, muscle aches or weakness, and spasms.
• Bone Fractures: Long-term use of PPIs like Prevacid has been associated with a slightly increased risk of bone fractures, especially in the hip, wrist, or spine.

It’s important to inform your healthcare provider of any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking, as Prevacid can interact with certain drugs. Additionally, if you have concerns about potential side effects or the duration of treatment, discuss them with your healthcare professional. They can provide guidance based on your specific health situation.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Prevacid:

• Storage:
  • Store Prevacid at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
  • Keep the medication in its original packaging, and protect it from light.
  • Do not store Prevacid in the bathroom.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired medications properly.
  • Follow local regulations or guidelines for medication disposal.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so.
  • Check with your pharmacist or healthcare provider for specific disposal instructions.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Overdose Symptoms: If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Overdose symptoms may include confusion, drowsiness, blurred vision, fast or pounding heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, sweating, flushing, headache, dry mouth, or dry throat.
• Emergency Contact: In the United States, you can contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance in case of an overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Follow-up: Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to the medication and address any concerns.
• Laboratory Tests: Your doctor may order periodic laboratory tests, such as blood tests, to monitor your overall health and the effects of long-term Prevacid use.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care about your use of Prevacid, including dentists and pharmacists.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Symptom Relief: Prevacid is not intended for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms. If you need fast relief, consider using antacids or acid-reducing medications that act more quickly.
• Duration of Treatment: Discuss the duration of treatment with your healthcare provider. Prolonged use of PPIs like Prevacid may have implications, and the benefits should be weighed against the potential risks.
• Lifestyle Changes: In addition to medication, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes to manage conditions like GERD, including dietary modifications and weight management.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about your medication. It’s important to stay informed about your health, medications, and any potential side effects or interactions. If you experience any unexpected or severe symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.