Prevacid Solutab (Lansoprazole)

How Lansoprazole works

Lansoprazole blocks the final step in the stomach’s production of gastric acid. This drug accomplishes this by suppressing the enzyme system in the stomach’s lining. The enzyme system is called an “acid pump” or “proton pump.” This is why lansoprazole is also called a proton pump inhibitor(PPI). Within one to two hours, the stomach’s acid level is measurably lower with 30mg of Prevacid.

Storage, dosage, and how to use Lansoprazole

Prevacid Solutab comes in liquid form, capsules, and tablets. Do not freeze the oral suspension Prevacid Solutab. Capsules and tablets come in 15mg and 30mg doses. Keep the bottles at room temperature and away from any possible heat, moisture and light.

The first dose of the day is taken before eating, preferably in the morning before eating breakfast. Shake the liquid before measuring the dose. Use the provided dosing syringe. Or use another precise dose-measuring device rather than a kitchen spoon. The dose needs to be accurate. Depending on the diagnosis treated, the Provider writes the dosing. Dosing is typically 15mg once a day before the first meal, for eight weeks.

Swallow the capsules and tablets whole, do not crush, chew, break, or open them.

Remove the orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you can take it immediately. Allow the tablet to dissolve inside the mouth. Do not chew. Swallow as many times as necessary as the tablet continues to dissolve.

Side Effects

Common side effects are:

• dizziness
• headache
• mild nausea
• belching
• swollen joints
• reddish irritated skin patches
• bad breath
• change in taste
• pins and needles

Call your provider immediately if you have the following serious side effects:

• nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
• watery or bloody diarrhea, constipation
• headache
• increased or decreased appetite
• new or worsening joint pain
• dizziness when getting up quickly
• sweating
• irregular or rapid heart rate
• anxiety
• depression
• rectal bleeding
• seizures
• fever
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus – skin rash on cheeks/arms worse in sunlight
• little or no urination, blood in urine
• tremors, shaking, or jerking muscle movements
• low magnesium symptoms – especially dizziness
• feeling jittery
• muscle cramps
• rapid weight gain

Warnings & Precautions

WARNING – Heartburn mimics early heart attacks symptoms. Contact emergency services if you experience chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder. Also get emergency help if you begin to feel anxious, lightheaded, or have difficulty breathing.

WARNING – Experiencing a positive result of using Prevacid, does not mean the problem’s source is resolved. Follow up tests for gastric ulcers and cancer are advised.

KIDNEY

Because body fluid levels are influenced by how foods digest, some patients may hold fluids. Bodily fluid may cause uncomfortable symptoms, like swelling, or create conditions that enable bacteria growth in the kidney or bladder. A small number of patient develop chronic kidney conditions. For this reason, the FDA’s position statement is to only use Lansoprazole as indicated and prescribed. Do not use PPIs for simple heartburn or indigestion.

DIARRHEA

Prevacid, and other medicines like it, are associated with a severe diarrhea caused by bacteria called Clostridium difficile. Call the prescribing Provider if watery or bloody diarrhea occurs. Discontinue use of Prevacid until further labs are completed.

LUPUS

In some cases, Prevacid may cause worsening symptoms of Lupus. Report joint pain and a skin rash on cheeks and arms that worsens in sunlight.

OSTEOPOROSIS

When taking Prevacid Solutab long term or more than once a day, your bones may break more easily.

VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY

Long term use of Prevacid/Lansoprazole can lead to B12 deficiency. Because the stomach’s acidity is decreased, the stomach is unable to absorb this necessary vitamin from food. Long term use is three years or more.

MAGNESIUM AND MINERAL DEFICIENCY

Long term use of Prevacid may cause low levels of Magnesium and minerals.

OTHER

If any of the following conditions are in your health history, tell the Prescribing Provider:

• liver disease
• lupus
• low blood levels of magnesium
• osteoporosis or osteopenia

Do NOT use Prevacid without the advice of a doctor, if you have or have ever had:

• trouble or pain with swallowing
• bloody or black stools
• vomit that looks like blood or coffee grinds
• heartburn lasting more than 3 months
• frequent chest pain
• heartburn with wheezing
• unexplained weight loss
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain
• electrolyte imbalance or metabolic disorder

Short-term use of lansoprazole causes few side effects. Long term use of this medication is more likely to cause adverse effects.

Interactions

Do not use this drug with any medication that contains rilpivirine.

Drugs to report to the prescribing Provider before taking Lansoprazole :

• sucralfate
• methotrexate
• long-term corticosteroid medications
• other proton pump inhibitors
• anti-HIV medications – atazanavir, rilpivirine, saquinavir, or tipranavir
• digoxin
• clopidogrel(Plavix)
• tacrolimus
• diuretics
• any medication that lowers magnesium levels
• anticancer medications
• antifungal medications
• antibiotics

Some drugs, like sucralfate, interfere with absorption of lansoprazole. Methotrexate needs to be reported to the Prescriber to monitor possible liver damage from taking both drugs at the same time. If using Prevacid for a stomach ulcer, avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Many other drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements interfere with Prevacid. Some decrease its efficacy; others cause dangerous conditions in the body. Ginkgo biloba and St John’s wort, for example, make Prevacid less effective. Taken with warfarin, Prevacid increases bleeding and can hasten death.

Recognise that products as simple as fish oil taken with Prevacid cause unwanted side effects. The above list is not comprehensive. Review all medications, supplements, and herbs with your prescribing provider to learn what can and cannot be taken while taking Prevacid. Keep your Medication pamphlet in an easy-to-find location and read it when in doubt.

Contraindications

Prevacid Solutab – Lansoprazole should NOT be given in the following conditions:

• pregnancy
• presence of gastric cancer
• phenylketonuria
• Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis
• Clostridium difficile diarrhea
• bone fracture
• severe skin reactions
• B12 deficiency history
• poor absorption of magnesium or minerals
• neuroendocrine tumors
• methotrexate therapy
• fundic gland polyps
• children one month to less than one year

Frequently Asked Questions