What is Prevacid used for. How does Prevacid work. What are the potential side effects of Prevacid. Is Prevacid safe for long-term use. How does Prevacid compare to other heartburn medications. What legal issues are associated with Prevacid use.

Understanding Prevacid: A Powerful Proton Pump Inhibitor

Prevacid, known generically as lansoprazole, is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that plays a crucial role in managing various gastrointestinal conditions. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1995, Prevacid has become a widely used medication for treating excess stomach acid-related issues.

Prevacid is available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) formulations, offering flexibility in its use. However, it’s important to note that Prevacid is not designed for quick relief of heartburn symptoms. Instead, it typically takes up to four days to effectively alleviate symptoms.

How does Prevacid work?

Prevacid functions by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It achieves this by blocking an enzyme in the stomach wall responsible for acid production. Specifically, Prevacid inhibits proton pumps in the stomach from releasing acid. This reduction in stomach acid allows the stomach and esophagus time to heal and prevents further damage and complications.

FDA-Approved Uses of Prevacid

Prevacid has been approved by the FDA for several specific uses related to gastrointestinal health. These include:

• Treating and maintaining duodenal ulcers
• Certain gastric ulcer treatments
• Treating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Treatment and maintenance of erosive esophagitis (EE)
• Treating Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and other hypersecretory conditions
• H. pylori treatment

It’s important to note that while Prevacid is effective for these conditions in adults, it has not been found effective for treating symptomatic GERD in infants.

Prevacid vs. Other Heartburn Medications

Understanding how Prevacid compares to other heartburn medications can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment options.

Prevacid vs. Zantac: What’s the difference?

While both Prevacid and Zantac are used to treat acid-related conditions, they belong to different classes of medications and work in distinct ways:

• Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
• Zantac (ranitidine) is an H2 blocker

Prevacid affects the proton pumps that generate acid through a chemical process, while Zantac prevents acid-producing cells from responding to histamines in the stomach. Zantac was advertised to work in as little as 30 minutes, whereas Prevacid can take days and multiple doses to take effect.

It’s worth noting that Zantac was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2020 due to safety concerns and is no longer available. Other H2 blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid) and cimetidine (Tagamet), remain available alternatives.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Prevacid

While Prevacid is generally well-tolerated, especially for short-term use, it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects and risks associated with its use.

Common side effects of Prevacid

Short-term use of Prevacid typically doesn’t cause significant side effects. When they do occur, they are usually mild and may include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Nausea

Serious side effects and warnings

Several studies have linked long-term use of Prevacid and other PPIs to more serious side effects. The FDA has issued multiple warnings about Prevacid since 2010, including:

• Osteoporosis and fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine
• Low magnesium levels
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
• Kidney disease and kidney failure due to acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease)

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as abnormal heartbeat, seizures, decreased or bloody urine, watery or bloody diarrhea, muscle aches or weakness, or jerking muscle movements.

Long-Term Use of Prevacid: Weighing the Risks and Benefits

While Prevacid is generally intended for short-term use (ranging from 10 days to 12 weeks), some patients use it for extended periods. However, recent studies have raised concerns about the long-term use of Prevacid and other PPIs.

Are there risks associated with long-term Prevacid use?

Several 2022 studies have linked long-term Prevacid use to serious health risks, including kidney damage and cancer. These findings underscore the importance of carefully considering the duration of Prevacid treatment and regularly reassessing its necessity with a healthcare provider.

Patients should not start or stop Prevacid without consulting their doctor, as abrupt changes in medication can lead to complications or a resurgence of symptoms.

Legal Issues Surrounding Prevacid

The emergence of serious side effects associated with Prevacid use has led to legal action against the drug’s manufacturers.

What are the current legal proceedings involving Prevacid?

As of July 2019, there were 12,775 pending lawsuits over several different proton pump inhibitors, including Prevacid. These lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in New Jersey federal court to streamline the legal process.

The primary injuries claimed in Prevacid lawsuits include:

• Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)
• Kidney disease
• Kidney failure
• Kidney injury

These legal proceedings highlight the importance of being fully informed about the potential risks associated with Prevacid use, especially for long-term treatment.

Making Informed Decisions About Prevacid Use

Given the potential risks and benefits associated with Prevacid, it’s crucial for patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about its use.

How can patients safely use Prevacid?

To ensure safe use of Prevacid, consider the following guidelines:

1. Use Prevacid only as prescribed by a healthcare provider
2. Regularly discuss the need for continued use with your doctor
3. Report any unusual symptoms or side effects promptly
4. Consider alternative treatments for long-term acid suppression if appropriate
5. Stay informed about the latest research and FDA warnings regarding Prevacid and other PPIs

By following these guidelines and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, patients can maximize the benefits of Prevacid while minimizing potential risks.

The Future of Acid Reflux Treatment: Beyond Prevacid

As concerns about the long-term use of PPIs like Prevacid continue to grow, researchers are exploring alternative approaches to managing acid reflux and related conditions.

What new treatments are being developed for acid reflux?

Emerging treatments for acid reflux and GERD include:

• Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF): A minimally invasive surgical procedure
• LINX device: A ring of magnetic beads placed around the lower esophageal sphincter
• Stretta procedure: Uses radiofrequency energy to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter
• Lifestyle modifications: Dietary changes, weight loss, and posture adjustments
• Herbal and natural remedies: Such as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) and d-limonene

These alternatives may offer effective acid reflux management with potentially fewer long-term risks than prolonged PPI use. However, more research is needed to fully establish their efficacy and safety profiles.

As the landscape of acid reflux treatment continues to evolve, patients and healthcare providers must stay informed about the latest developments. This knowledge will enable them to make the best decisions regarding the use of Prevacid and other treatment options, balancing symptom relief with long-term health considerations.

Prevacid – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings and Interactions

Prevacid (lansoprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Doctors may recommend it for short-term treatment of ulcers and acid reflux. Studies have linked long-term Prevacid use with several serious side effects. Prevacid users have filed lawsuits over complications from the drug.

Prevacid (lansoprazole) belongs to a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These are powerful heartburn drugs.

Other PPIs include Nexium, Prilosec and Protonix.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Prevacid in 1995. Prevacid is available in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) versions.

Several 2022 studies link Prevacid to several serious health risks, especially when taken long-term. Some of the risks associated with Prevacid can result in serious injury or death. These include kidney damage and cancer.

Patients have filed Prevacid lawsuits after suffering severe side effects.

People should speak with their doctors before starting or stopping Prevacid.

What Does Prevacid Treat?

Prevacid treats certain problems related to excess stomach acid. It is generally intended for short-term use — anywhere from 10 days to 12 weeks. But patients sometimes use it for longer periods of time.

Ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach.

FDA Approved Prevacid Uses

• Treating and maintaining duodenal ulcers
• Certain gastric ulcer treatments
• Treating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Treatment and maintenance of erosive esophagitis (EE)
• Treating Zollenger-Ellison syndrome and other hypersecretory conditions
• H. pylori treatment

Prevacid is not meant for quick relief of heartburn. It takes up to four days to relieve symptoms.

Lansoprazole is the active ingredient in Prevacid. It is not effective at treating symptomatic GERD in infants.

How Prevacid Works

Prevacid decreases the amount of acid in the stomach. It blocks an enzyme in the stomach wall responsible for producing the acid. This prevents proton pumps in the stomach from releasing acid.

Decreased stomach acid gives the stomach and esophagus time to heal. It also prevents further damage and complications. This can prevent ulcers from developing or recurring.

Prevacid vs. Zantac

Prevacid is a PPI, like Nexium and Prilosec. PPIs differ from h3 blockers like Zantac and Pepcid.

Both types of medication prevent the stomach from producing too much acid. But they do it in different ways.

Prevacid affects tiny proton pumps that generate acid through a chemical process. Zantac prevents acid-producing cells from responding to histamines in the stomach.

Zantac is advertised to work in as little as 30 minutes. Prevacid can take days and multiple doses to take effect.

Zantac was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2020 and is no longer available. Available h3 blockers include famotidine (Pepcid), and cimetidine (Tagamet).

Serious Prevacid Side Effects, Risks and Warnings

Studies have linked Prevacid and other PPIs to several serious side effects. PPI side effects are most common with long-term use lasting a year or more.

Short-term Prevacid use does not usually cause side effects. When side effects do occur, they are typically mild.

Some of the common side effects of Prevacid are constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea.

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms. They could indicate serious side effects of Prevacid.

• Abnormal heartbeat
• Seizures
• Decreased or bloody urine
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Muscle aches or weakness
• Jerking muscle movements

The FDA has issued several Prevacid warnings since 2010.

Prevacid warnings include:

• Osteoporosis and fractures of the hip, wrist and spine
• Low magnesium levels
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (severe diarrhea that can contain blood or pus)
• Kidney disease and kidney failure due to acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease)

For a complete list of potential side effects, symptoms and FDA warnings, speak to your pharmacist or doctor and review the drug label.

Prevacid Lawsuits

People who suffered kidney problems have filed Prevacid lawsuits. As of July 2019, there were 12,775 pending lawsuits over several different PPIs.

A federal panel combined the lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation. MDLs allow several similar lawsuits to move more quickly through the legal process. The cases are in New Jersey federal court.

Injuries Claimed in Prevacid Lawsuits

• Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)
• 
  Kidney disease
• 
  Kidney failure
• 
  Kidney injury

Lawsuit Information

Multiple lawsuits claim Prevacid and other proton pump inhibitors caused serious side effects that led to kidney disease and failure. Read more about currently pending litigation.

View Lawsuits

How to Take Prevacid

People take Prevacid orally. It is available in delayed-release capsules and delayed-release orally disintegrating tablets.

Patients can swallow the delayed-release capsules whole. People place the disintegrating tablets on the tongue and allow them to dissolve with or without water.

Patients should take either version before a meal. People should not crush either form of the medicine.

Forms Prevacid Comes In

Prevacid comes in several forms. Over-the-counter and generic prescription versions are available. There are also store brand equivalents. All forms contain the same active ingredient, lansoprazole.

Available Prevacid Versions and Equivalents

Prevacid

Prescription brand-name for lansoprazole; available in capsule form

Prevacid SoluTab

Prescription version of Prevacid designed to dissolve; available for suspension in liquids and as a tablet that dissolves in the mouth

Prevacid 24HR

Over-the-counter (OTC) version of Prevacid

Generic lansoprazole

Generic prescription versions

Store brands

Includes Heartburn Relief 24 Hour and Heartburn Treatment 24 Hour; comparable to Prevacid 24HR

Prevacid Dosages

Prescription Prevacid versions come in both 15 mg and 30 mg pills. Prevacid 24 HR comes in 15 mg pills.

Dosages can vary based on the condition Prevacid treats. Doctors may also consider the age and weight of the patient. Doctors may adjust the dosage depending on the patient’s other health conditions.

The recommended daily dosage of Prevacid in people with liver disease is 15 mg.

Recommended Prevacid Doses for Adults

Condition Being Treated	Recommended Dose	Taken How Often & How Long
Duodenal ulcers	15 mg	Once daily for 8 weeks for short-term treatment Once daily for maintenance of healed ulcer
Eradication of H. pylori bacteria – Triple therapy	30 mg (Prevacid) 1 gram (Amoxicillin) 500 mg (Clarithromycin)	Twice daily for 10 to 14 days
Benign gastric ulcer	30 mg	Once daily for up to 8 weeks for short-term treatment
NSAID-associated gastric ulcer	30 mg or 15 mg	Once daily for 8 weeks for healing Once daily for up to 12 weeks for risk reduction
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)	15 mg or 30 mg	Once a day for up to 8 weeks for short-term treatment of symptomatic GERD Once a day for up to 8 weeks for short-term treatment of erosive esophagitis (EE)
Maintenance of healing of erosive esophagitis (EE)	15 mg	Once a day (controlled studies did not go beyond 12 weeks of treatment)
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome	60 mg	Once daily (doses and length of time of treatment can vary per patient)

Recommended Prevacid Doses for Children

Source:

U. S. Food and Drug Administration

Several recent studies have associated side effects with PPI use in infants. A 2017 study found Prevacid given before a child’s first birthday increased bone fracture risks. And a 2018 study found PPIs taken in infancy can lead to childhood allergies.

Prevacid Overdose and Missed Dose Information

It may be possible to overdose on Prevacid. But a case study found a person who took 20 times the adult dose suffered no adverse reactions.

Tests on rats and mice found no relative overdose risk at 1,300 times the adult dose. Overdose symptoms may include passing out or trouble breathing.

“If over-exposure occurs, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 for current information on the management of poisoning or over-exposure. ”

If a person misses a Prevacid dose, he or she should take a dose as soon as possible. If the person is nearing the time for the next dose, he or she may wait until the next scheduled time.

Prescription vs. Prevacid 24HR (OTC)

Prevacid is available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). Prevacid 24HR is the non-prescription version.

Studies have found that Prevacid 24HR often works as well as prescription Prevacid. Prevacid 24HR is only available in a 15 mg dose.

People can take one Prevacid 24HR 15 mg pill daily for 14 days. Prevacid 24HR users should not take the drug for more than 14 days. They should wait at least four months before taking Prevacid 24HR again.

Who Should Not Take Prevacid?

People who are allergic to lansoprazole should not take Prevacid. People allergic to any other PPI or other Prevacid ingredient should avoid it.

Ingredients vary with each Prevacid version. Check label ingredients for allergies before taking Prevacid.

Patients with PKE should talk with their doctor before taking Prevacid SoluTabs.

People Should Talk with Their Doctor Before Taking Prevacid If They Have:

• Low blood magnesium
• Liver disease
• Lupus
• Allergies to any PPI or PPI ingredient
• Phenylketonuria (PKE)

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking Prevacid or any other medication.

Prevacid Drug Interactions

Prevacid interactions can happen with 290 other drugs or dietary supplements. People should tell their doctor what drugs they take before starting Prevacid.

Some Prevacid interactions can happen with things as common as aspirin or fish oil.

Prevacid Drug Interactions

Drug	Side Effect
HIV Antiretrovirals (including rilpivirine, atazanavir, delavirdine and nelfinavir)	Decreases or increases drug effects
Warfarin	Increases risk of bleeding or death
Methotrexate	Can lead to methotrexate toxicity
Digoxin	Increased exposure
Theophylline	Increases clearance of theophylline
Drugs dependent on gastric pH for absorption (iron salts)	Reduces absorption
Antibiotics (clarithromycin and amoxicillin)	Possible serious adverse reactions, including potentially fatal arrhythmias
Tacrolimus	Increases drug’s effects
CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 inducers (St. John’s Wort, rifampin and Ritonavir-containing products)	Decreases Prevacid effects
CYP2C19 or CYP3A4 inhibitors (voriconazole)	Increases Prevacid effects
Sucralfate	Decreases and delays Prevacid absorption
Clopidogrel (Plavix)	Decreases effectiveness of Plavix, can increase heart attack risk
Aminophylline	May increase aminophylline levels by slowing metabolism, may result in aminophylline toxicity in extremely high doses (interaction is unlikely and effects are minor)

Prevacid Facts

Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.

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Prevacid vs Prilosec: What’s the Difference?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects about 20% of people in the United States.

It’s more than just heartburn or acid reflux after one meal.

GERD is a chronic, painful digestive condition that leads to health complications over time.

Prevacid and Prilosec are two medications commonly used to treat symptoms of GERD.

In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these medications, as well as common side effects, drug interactions, and important warnings to be aware of.

Prevacid vs Prilosec

Prevacid (the brand name for lansoprazole) and Prilosec (the brand name for omeprazole) are available over the counter or, if a higher dosage is needed, with a prescription.

Uses

Prevacid and Prilosec are  both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

They work to reduce symptoms of GERD and acid reflux by blocking how much acid the stomach produces. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these medications for the same uses:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Esophagitis
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
• Systemic mastocytosis
• Duodenal and gastric ulcers

Similarities

Prevacid and Prilosec have many similarities.

• Drug class: Prevacid and Prilosec are proton pump inhibitors. They work similarly to decrease acid in the stomach.

• Conditions treated: Both are approved for treating the same conditions, as above.

• Time to take effect: Prevacid takes effect around 1-3 hours after it is taken, with rapid absorption after the medicine leaves the stomach. Prilosec is rapidly absorbed as well. Prilosec may take 1-4 days before the full effect is achieved, and Prevacid may take up to 4 days.

• Length of treatment: Prevacid is typically prescribed or recommended for 10 days or up to 12 weeks, although some patients may prescribed longer courses. Prilosec is typically prescribed or recommended for 10 days or up to eight weeks, although it may be used longer in some cases.

Differences

Although Prevacid and Prilosec are similar in many ways, they have a few differences:

• Dosages: Follow dosing instructions for the medication you are taking. Prevacid is typically 15-30 milligrams (mg), one or two times per day. Prilosec is typically 20-40 mg, one or two times per day.

• Forms: Prilosec is available as a pill or a powder. Prevacid is available as an extended-release tablet, a dissolving tablet, and a liquid.

Talk to a doctor online

Refill medications and get certain necessary prescriptions.

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Common Side Effects

Prevacid and Prilosec can each  cause some side effects, as listed below.

Prevacid

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Acid regurgitation

Prilosec

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Flatulence
• Acid regurgitation
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Rash or dry skin
• Back pain
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Cough

Drug Interactions

Prevacid and Prilosec also both have potential drug interactions, as noted below.

Prevacid

• Calcium carbonate
• Iron salts
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Atazanavir
• Ampicillin
• Warfarin
• Sucralfate
• Red yeast rice
• St. John’s wort
• Loop/thiazide diuretics
• h3 blockers or other antacid medications
• Methotrexate

Prilosec

• Ampicillin
• Calcium carbonate
• Vitamin B12
• Cyclosporine
• Diazepam
• Digoxin
• Disulfiram
• Flurazepam
• Gefitinib
• Indinavir
• Iron salts
• Ketoconazole
• Phenytoin
• Triazolam
• Warfarin
• Citalopram
• Methotrexate
• Plavix
• St. John’s wort

Is Prevacid or Prilosec More Effective?

Prevacid and Prilosec are equally effective for the conditions they are approved to treat. 

A double-blind study of 3,510 patients compared the two drugs’ effectiveness for heartburn relief.

Prevacid was slightly more effective at relieving severe heartburn symptoms, but at the end of eight weeks, both medications performed the same.

Additionally, a meta-analysis of different PPIs found that all are comparable, and taking the right dose matters more than which medication you take for the effectiveness of a treatment. 

A healthcare provider can help determine which medication might work best for your health and medical needs.

Warnings

Because Prevacid and Prilosec are in the same drug class, they have similar warnings.

Taking either one for a prolonged period of time can result in potentially serious health conditions, including:

• Clostridium difficile diarrhea
• Bone fracture
• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Acute interstitial nephritis (a serious kidney condition)
• Serious magnesium deficiency 

Both drugs may increase the risk of false-positive results when testing for neuroendocrine tumors.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with their healthcare provider before taking Prevacid or Prilosec.

People who have osteoporosis should not take these drugs, as they increase the risk of serious bone fractures.

Talk to a doctor online

Refill medications and get certain necessary prescriptions.

Start now

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better Prilosec or Prevacid?

Prilosec and Prevacid are equally effective for the conditions they treat. A medical provider can determine which medication is best for your health needs.

Is Prevacid and Prilosec the same thing?

Prevacid and Prilosec are in the same category of drugs. They are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and have similar side effects, but they are not the same drug, and cannot be used interchangeably.

What is the safest drug for acid reflux?

Prevacid and Prilosec are considered safe treatments for GERD, acid reflux, and heartburn. However, certain medical conditions or medication interactions make them an unsafe choice for you. A healthcare provider can help determine the safest choice for your acid reflux treatment.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Definition and facts for GER and GERD. (2020).
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). (2022).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557385/

• Questions and answers on Prilosec OTC (omeprazole). (2015).
  https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/questions-and-answers-prilosec-otc-omeprazole

• Prevacid (lansoprazole). (2012).
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020406s078-021428s025lbl.pdf

• Lansoprazole. (2022).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695020.html

• Omeprazole. (2022).
  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a693050.html

• Comparing lansoprazole and omeprazole in onset of heartburn relief: results of a randomized, controlled trial in erosive esophagitis patients. (2001).
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11721754/

• Current Trends in the Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.