Precautions When Taking Prevacid

Prevacid (Lansoprazole) is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. It's used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which acid flows backward from the stomach. This results in heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus) along with conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid. Prevacid has several precautions that need to be followed prior to and during use.

Allergies

• Prior to taking Prevacid, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Prevacid or any other medications.

Other Medications

• Before taking Prevacid, tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking. Specifically mention if you are taking any of the following: ampicillin, clopidogrel, digoxin, ketoconazole, theophylline and any vitamins containing iron.

  If you are taking any of these, your doctor may have to either change the dosage of your medications or monitor you for side effects.

Pregnancy

• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or if you become pregnant while taking Prevacid, tell your doctor.

Sucralfate

• If you are taking sucralfate (Carafate), take it at least 30 minutes after Prevacid. Sucralfate may make it difficult for the body to absorb Prevacid.

Prevacid 24HR

• Don't take over-the-counter Prevacid without doctor's approval if you have trouble or pain swallowing, bloody or black stools, heartburn lasting more than three months, frequent chest pain, stomach pain or unexplained weight loss.

Bone Fracture

• Taking Prevacid may increase the risk of bone fracture in the hip, wrist or spine in people who take the medication long term or at high doses as well as those who are age 50 and older. Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Children

• Children younger than a year old should not take Prevacid.