Prevacid
(lansoprazole)
Treats heartburn and stomach ulcers.
Our bottom line
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is an effective and inexpensive acid reducer commonly used to provide heartburn relief and help heal ulcers.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (lansoprazole)
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.
What to expect from Prevacid, on one page
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.
What to expect from Prevacid, on one page
Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It lowers the amount of acid in your stomach by blocking the final step of stomach acid production.
- Drug class: Gastrointestinal
- Rx status: Prescription or OTC
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (lansoprazole)
Used for
- Stomach ulcer
- Stomach ulcer prevention while taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Dosage forms
- Extended release
- Dissolving tablet extended release
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$24.57Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free coupon$19.00
- Get free coupon$26.80
- Get free coupon$26.80
What to expect when you take Prevacid (lansoprazole) for Reducing acid production
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Diarrhea4%4%2%2%
- Abdominal pain2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Prevacid.
People taking Prevacid felt side effect more
People taking Prevacid felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Prevacid (lansoprazole)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Heartburn and feelings of upset stomach can be warning signs of a more serious stomach problem or cancer. If your symptoms do not go away or worsens after two weeks, or symptoms return after completing a course of treatment with Prevacid (lansoprazole), speak to your doctor as this may indicate a more serious problem.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Common concerns from people taking Prevacid (lansoprazole)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Prevacid (lansoprazole) is available over-the-counter and as inexpensive, generic options.
- Some prescription drugs can interact with Prevacid (lansoprazole), so talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you are taking.
- Prevacid (lansoprazole) can cause acute kidney damage that can occur at any time during treatment. Stop taking Prevacid (lansoprazole) and speak to your doctor immediately if you notice blood in the urine, changes in urine output, swelling of the body, weight gain, fever, or confusion.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Prevacidon 10/3/2016It made me have terrible abdominal pain along with constipation and pains in my upper esophageal area.47ManHeartburn