Generic name: Lansoprazole
Brand names: Prevacid
Prevacid blocks the production of stomach acid. It is prescribed for the short-term treatment (4 to 8 weeks) of the following:
- Stomach ulcer
- Duodenal ulcer (near the exit from the stomach)
- Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
- Heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD, which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube connecting the throat to the stomach).
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.
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:
Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness or headache (more common in children), nausea
Why should Prevacid not be prescribed?
Do not take Prevacid if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you've ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin or macrolide antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, ERYC, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, PCE).
You must also avoid Prevacid if you're taking cisapride, pimozide, astemizole, or terfenadine. Combining Prevacid with these drugs could cause dangerous--and even fatal--heartbeat irregularities.
Special warnings about Prevacid
Do not take Prevacid any longer than your doctor has prescribed; Prevacid 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.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria and must avoid the amino acid phenylalanine, since Prevacid contains this substance.
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)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
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 Prevacid is essential to your health, your doctor may have you stop breastfeeding your baby while you are taking it.
