lansoprazole

What is the most important information I should know about lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole can cause kidney problems. Tell your doctor if you are urinating less than usual, or if you have blood in your urine.

Lansoprazole may cause new or worsening symptoms of lupus. Tell your doctor if you have joint pain and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

What is lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Over-the-counter lansoprazole (Prevacid OTC) is used to treat frequent heartburn that happens 2 or more days per week.

Lansoprazole is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Lansoprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking lansoprazole?

Heartburn can mimic early symptoms of a heart attack. Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain that spreads to your jaw or shoulder and you feel anxious or light-headed.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• lupus;
• low levels of magnesium in your blood; or
• osteoporosis or low bone mineral density (osteopenia).

• trouble or pain with swallowing;
• bloody or black stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
• heartburn that has lasted for over 3 months;
• frequent chest pain, heartburn with wheezing;
• unexplained weight loss;
• nausea or vomiting, stomach pain; or
• an electrolyte imbalance or metabolic disorder.

Some forms of lansoprazole may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take lansoprazole?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Lansoprazole is usually taken before eating. Prevacid OTC should be taken in the morning before you eat breakfast.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Prevacid OTC should be taken only once daily for 14 days. It may take up to 4 days for full effect. Allow at least 4 months to pass before you start another 14-day treatment with Prevacid OTC.

Some conditions are treated with a combination of lansoprazole and antibiotics. Use all medications as directed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking lansoprazole?

This medicine can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

What are the possible side effects of lansoprazole?

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• new or unusual pain in your wrist, back, hip, or thigh;
• a seizure (convulsions);
• kidney problems --fever, nausea, little or no urination, blood in your urine, swelling, rapid weight gain;
• low magnesium --dizziness, fast or irregular heart rate, tremors (shaking) or jerking muscle movements, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms in your hands and feet, cough or choking feeling; or
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus --joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight.

Taking lansoprazole long-term may cause you to develop stomach growths called fundic gland polyps. Talk with your doctor about this risk.

If you use lansoprazole for longer than 3 years, you could develop a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition if you develop it.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, stomach pain;
• diarrhea, constipation; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect lansoprazole?

Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb lansoprazole. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking lansoprazole before you take sucralfate.

Tell your doctor if you use methotrexate.

Many drugs can affect lansoprazole, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about lansoprazole.