Compare Nexium vs. Prevacid
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats heartburn and stomach ulcers.
Nexium (esomeprazole) gives you long-lasting heartburn relief but has some risks if used long term.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 1239 reviewsforNexium
Treats heartburn and stomach ulcers.
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is an effective and inexpensive acid reducer commonly used to provide heartburn relief and help heal ulcers.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforPrevacid
Upsides
- Most people can take Nexium (esomeprazole) without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
- Nexium (esomeprazole) lasts longer than other types of antacids (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums), and you only need to take it once a day.
- You can take it in combination with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need quicker relief.
- Nexium (esomeprazole) is inexpensive, with over-the-counter and generic options.
- Coupons are available for the brand name - speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- The packet form is a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills.They can be mixed with water for easier swallowing.
- Most people can take Prevacid (lansoprazole) without any noticeable day-to-day side effects.
- Comes in a dissolving tablet to be placed on the tongue if you cannot or do not like to swallow pills.
- Prevacid (lansoprazole) lasts longer than other types of antacids (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums), and you only need to take it once a day.
- You can take it in combination with a quick-acting antacid (like Maalox or Tums) if you need relief right away.
- Prevacid (lansoprazole) is available over-the-counter and as inexpensive, generic options.
Downsides
- Doesn't start working right away like antacids (Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox).
- It can take several days or weeks to start feeling benefits.
- May not be the best choice for patients 65 years of age and older due to risk of bone fractures and severe diarrhea.
- Doesn't start working right away like some other acid reducers (Tums, Rolaids, or Maalox).
- May not be the best choice for patients 65 years of age and older due to risk of bone fractures and C. diff infection (bacterial).
- Is used if you have frequent heartburns that occur more than 2 days per week. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you only have occasional heartburn.
Used for
- GERD
- H. Pylori bacterial infection
- Prevention and treatment of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers
- Stomach ulcer
- Stomach ulcer prevention while taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Intestinal ulcer
- Stomach bacteria infection (helicobacter pylori)
- Erosive esophagitis
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Barrett's esophagus
- Stomach ulcer prevention
- Heartburn prevention
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Injection
- Packet
- Extended release
- Dissolving tablet extended release
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$17.89
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$20.52
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Reviews
1239 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Nexium (esomeprazole)?
Leave a review21 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
71%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Prevacid (lansoprazole)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Nexium (esomeprazole) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney injury
- Severe diarrhea
- Being treated at a hospital
- Bone fractures
- High dose Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Long-term treatment with Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Low bone mineral density
- Aged 65 years or older
- Lupus
- Stomach cancer
- Acute kidney damage
- Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD)
- Bone fractures
- High dose Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Long-term treatment with Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Low bone mineral density
- Older age
- Lupus
- Low vitamin or mineral levels