Nexium-Heartburn Relief

Prevacid (Lansoprazole) is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) 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). This medicine works by blocking acid production in the stomach. It may be used in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Prevacid comes as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take it orally. Prevacid usually is taken once a day, before a meal. Take Prevacid 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 can be opened, and the granules can be sprinkled on applesauce and swallowed immediately. The granules should not be chewed or crushed. Continue to take Prevacid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Prevacid without talking to your doctor.

Missed Dose Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Precaution

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 .

 

Side Effects

Serious side effects from Prevacid are not common. Stop taking Prevacid and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Prevacid and talk to your doctor if you experience

• diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain;
• dizziness; or
• headache.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
If you also take sucralfate (Carafate), avoid taking it at the same time you take Prevacid. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb Prevacid. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking lansoprazole before you take sucralfate.

 

Storage

Store Prevacid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Prilosec (Omeprazole) is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) used to treat ulcers, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux, or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It works by blocking acid production in the stomach. This medicine may be used in combination with antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, clarithromycin) to treat certain types of ulcers. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Prilosec as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Prilosec by mouth on an empty stomach before eating.
• Swallow Prilosec whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or open Prilosec before swallowing.
• If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, add 1 tablespoon of applesauce to an empty bowl. Open the capsule and empty the pellets onto the applesauce. Mix the pellets with the applesauce and swallow the mixture at once, followed by a glass of cool water. The applesauce used should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed with out chewing. Do not chew or crush the pellets. Do not store the mixture for further use.
• You may take antacids while you are using Prilosec, if you are directed to do so by your doctor.
• If you also take an imidazole antifungal (eg, ketoconazole), take it at least 2 hours before taking Prilosec.
• If you also take sucralfate, take Prilosec at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.
• Continue to take Prilosec even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

Precaution

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, other stomach problems (e.g., tumors), any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

 

Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Diarrhea; headache.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); chest pain; dark urine; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vision changes; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• If you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking omeprazole and seek emergency medical attention.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take omeprazole and talk to your doctor if you experience

•  
  • drowsiness, dizziness, or headache;
  • diarrhea, increased gas, or bloating; or
  • itching.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store at room temperature, 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Keep away from moisture and light