PREVACID Prevacid is 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).

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

LANZOPRAZOLE (lan-zoh-pruh-zole) - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prevacid

USES: For the treatment of acid reflux disease (most commom symptom is the heartburn) including erosive esophagitis.

HOW TO USE: Take prevacid capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water; do not crush or chew. Prevacid works best if taken on an empty stomach. It is best to take the capsules 30 to 60 minutes before food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, you may open the Prevacid capsule and sprinkle the contents on a tablespoon of any of the following foods: applesauce, pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or a spoonful of Ensure drink. Do not crush the contents of the capsule into the food. Swallow the dose immediately after preparing it; do not chew. Follow with a drink of water. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: dark yellow or brown urine; fever or sore throat; unusual skin rash, blistering, or peeling; unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of the eyes or skin; vomiting. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): abdominal pain; diarrhea or constipation; headache; nausea.

PRECAUTIONS: It can take several days of therapy with prevacid before your stomach pains improve. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition does not improve, or if it gets worse. You can take antacids for the occasional relief of pain unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you otherwise.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Ampicillin; bisacodyl; delavirdine; digoxin; iron salts; itraconazole; ketoconazole; sucralfate; theophylline; voriconazole.Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

OVERDOSE: SIf overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Prescriber needs to know if you have any of these conditions: liver disease; an unusual or allergic reaction to lansoprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

STORAGE: Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Disclaimer
This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Be sure to contact your physician, pharmacist or other health care provider for more information about this medication.