Prevacid

Information on Prevacid

Delayed Release Capsule
Chemical Name: LANSOPRAZOLE (lan-SOE-pra-zole)

Common uses
This medicine is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used alone or in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking HIV protease inhibitors (such as atazanavir). If you are currently taking a HIV protease inhibitor, talk with your doctor before starting this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking clarithromycin, digoxin, iron, vitamins with iron, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconizole, anticoagulants (such as warfarin), or theophylline. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver problems, other stomach problems (such as tumors), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE in the morning unless your doctor directs otherwise. TAKE THIS MEDICINE before eating unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Be sure to follow your doctor's directions on how many times a day you should take this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE SWALLOWING THE CAPSULE, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled into soft food (e.g., applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt), or emptied into a small amount (2 oz or 60 ml) of juice and taken as directed. Rinse the container with an additional small amount of juice and drink the contents to make sure the entire dose is taken. DO NOT CHEW the food/medication mixture or prepare a supply in advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects. Potent acid-reducing medicines such as lansoprazole can decrease the effectiveness of sucralfate, as well as other drugs such as the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole. If instructed to take any of these medicines while taking lansoprazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing of each dose. For example, if you are instructed to take sucralfate in addition to lansoprazole, it is best to take the lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before your sucralfate. Use this medicine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. CONTINUE TAKING THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience stomach pain. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
If you are taking this medicine for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.