Prevacid is an oral capsule consisting of a proton pump inhibitor called lansoprazole. We carry this medication in both the brand choice and generic alternative in 15mg and 30mg!

Prevacid is a medication used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, damage to the esophagus from stomach acid called erosive esophagitis, and other conditions associated with an excessive amount of stomach acid production such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.  In these conditions, inflammation, irritation, or swelling occurs which causes pain and discomfort; however with medications like Prevacid, these symptoms can be treated.

Prevacid is effective at treating and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers because lansoprazole is able to decrease the amount of stomach acid being produced in the stomach which results in these conditions healing faster and less likely to reoccur.

It is important to follow directions given to you by your doctor. Directions can be found on your prescription label if you forget; contact your doctor if you are still unsure how to take this medication.

This medication is typically taken before eating a meal. Avoid chewing, crushing, or breaking open these capsule; swallow the capsule whole. If swallow the pill is too difficult, you may do the following:

• Open the capsule and sprinkle the medication into a spoonful of soft food such as pudding, apple sauce, yogurt, or cottage cheese. You must swallow the mixture immediately after, without chewing; or
• you may also dissolve Prevacid into ¼ cup (2 ounces) of apple juice, orange juice, or tomato juice. Stir the mixture and drink immediately after. To ensure you receive all the medication, fill the cup with more juice, stir, and drink again; or
• if you must take it through a feeding tube; open the capsule and sprinkle the medication into 40 milliliters of apple juice (it is crucial you use apply juice only). Flush the tube with more apple juice after administering the mixture to ensure you receive all the medicine.

Do not use Prevacid (lansoprazole)

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lansoprazole or if you also take any type of medication that contains rilpivirine (Edurant, Complera, Odefsey).

This medication should not be given to babies under a year old.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before using Prevacid, tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, most importantly if you have ever had liver disease, lupus, low levels of magnesium in your blood, or osteoporosis or low bone mineral density.

Risks

Heartburn can sometimes be an early sign of a heart attack. If you have heartburn and suspect it may be a heart attack (see side effects for warning signs), contact your doctor right away.

If you use this medication for a prolonged period of time or use high doses, you may find yourself more likely to have a broken bone in your hip, wrists, or spine. Talk with your doctor about how to lessen this risk if this concerns you.

If this medication has been prescribed along with other medications, ensure you are taking all prescribed medications for the full benefit of treatment.

If you are pregnant or breast feeding; consult your doctor before using this product to discuss the risks and benefits.

Common side effects of Prevacid (lansoprazole) may include:

nausea, stomach pain; diarrhea, constipation; or headache.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Prevacid (lansoprazole) may include:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody; new or unusual pain in your wrist, back, hip, or thigh; or a seizure (convulsions).

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

kidney problems: little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;

heart attack: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath;

low magnesium: dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking) or jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling; or

new or worsening symptoms of lupus: joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

What is the best way to store this medication?

Prevacid should be stored at room temperature. Protect Prevacid from heat and moisture. For safety measures, keep out of reach of children and pets.

Is this medication safe for children?

Yes. This medication may be used by children as long as they are at least 1 year old. Consult your doctor to find out if this medication is appropriate for your child.

Does it have any medication interactions?

Yes. Drugs that interact with Prevacid include nelfinavir, neratinib, dacomitinib, dasatinib, rilpivirine, acalabrutinib, and atazanavir.

This is not a complete list of drugs that interact with Prevacid (lansoprazole). Consult your doctor to learn more about which drugs interact with Prevacid

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the miss dose as soon as you remember or skip it if your next dose is approaching soon. Do not attempt to make up for a miss dose by doubling up on dosages.