Compare Prevacid vs. Nexium
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
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
Upsides
- 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.
- 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.
Downsides
- 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.
- 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.
Used for
- 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
- GERD
- H. Pylori bacterial infection
- Prevention and treatment of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers
Dosage forms
- Extended release
- Dissolving tablet extended release
- Liquid
- Pill
- Injection
- Packet
Price
Lowest price
$22.58
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$19.00
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Reviews
21 reviews so far
71%
saidit'sworth it
71%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Prevacid (lansoprazole)?
Leave a review1239 reviews so far
75%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Nexium (esomeprazole)?
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
- 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
- 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