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Why is Prevacid prescribed?

Prevacid is used to prevent ulcers and to treat other conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid. Lansoprazole is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Prevacid be used?

Prevacid comes as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule and granules to make an extended-release oral solution (liquid) to take by mouth. Lansoprazole is usually taken once a day, before a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Lansoprazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The capsule should be swallowed whole. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, Prevacid capsules can be opened, and the granules can be sprinkled on 1 tablespoon of applesauce, Ensure pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears and swallowed immediately. The 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 granules should not be chewed or crushed. For patients who have a nasogastric tube, Prevacid capsules can be opened and the granules mixed in 40 mL of apple juice. The 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 oral solution, empty the contents of a packet into a container with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir well and drink immediately. If any granules remain, add more water, stir, and drink immediately. Do not use liquids or foods other than water. Do not crush or chew the granules.

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

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking prevacid,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to 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 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 Prevacid, call your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

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

What side effects can Prevacid cause?

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

• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain

If you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking lansoprazole and call your doctor immediately:

• rash or hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

What storage conditions are needed for Prevacid?

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

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