Why is Prevacid prescribed?

Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is used to prevent ulcers and to treat other conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid.

Prevacid is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Prevacid information.

How should Prevacid be used?

Lansoprazole (Prevacid) comes as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule and granules to make an extended-release oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is usually taken once a day, before a meal. Follow the Prevacid directions on your Prevacid prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Lansoprazole (Prevacid) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less Prevacid or take Prevacid more often than prescribed by your doctor.

The Prevacid capsule should be swallowed whole. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, Lansoprazole (Prevacid) capsules can be opened, and the Prevacid granules can be sprinkled on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, Ensure pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears and swallowed immediately. The Prevacid capsules can also be emptied into 2 ounces of orange juice or tomato juice, mixed briefly, and swallowed immediately. Rinse the glass with some additional juice and drink immediately. The Prevacid granules should not be chewed or crushed.

For patients who have a nasogastric tube, Lansoprazole (Prevacid) capsules can be opened and the Prevacid granules mixed in 40 mL of apple juice. The Prevacid mixture should be injected through the nasogastric tube into the stomach. Then the tube should be flushed with some more apple juice.

To use Lansoprazole (Prevacid) oral solution, empty the contents of a Prevacid packet into a container with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir well and drink immediately. If any Prevacid granules remain, add more water, stir, and drink immediately. Do not use liquids or foods other than water. Do not crush or chew the Prevacid granules.

Continue to take Lansoprazole (Prevacid) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Lansoprazole (Prevacid) without talking to your doctor.

What special Prevacid precautions should I follow?

Before taking Lansoprazole (Prevacid),

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Lansoprazole (Prevacid) or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ampicillin, digoxin (Lanoxin), iron-containing medicines (including multivitamins), ketoconazole (Nizoral), sucralfate (Carafate), theophylline (Theo-Dur), and vitamins. If you are taking sucralfate (Carafate), take Lansoprazole (Prevacid) at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Lansoprazole (Prevacid), call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a Prevacid dose?

Take the missed Prevacid dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Prevacid dose, skip the missed Prevacid dose and continue your Prevacid dosing schedule. Do not take a double Prevacid dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Prevacid cause?

Although side effects from Lansoprazole (Prevacid) are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Prevacid symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain

If you have any of the following Prevacid symptoms, stop taking Lansoprazole (Prevacid) and call your doctor immediately:

• rash or hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

What storage conditions are needed for Prevacid?

Keep Prevacid in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Prevacid at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Prevacid that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Prevacid.

In case of Prevacid emergency/overdose

In case of Prevacid overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other Prevacid information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Lansoprazole (Prevacid).

Do not let anyone else take your Prevacid. Ask your pharmacist any Prevacid questions you have about refilling your Prevacid prescription.