Information About Prevacid

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

HOW TO USE: Follow the directions for using Prevacid provided by your doctor. TAKE Prevacid in the morning unless your doctor directs otherwise. TAKE Prevacid before eating. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE SWALLOWING THE CAPSULE, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled into soft food (e.g., applesauce, cottage cheese, yogurt), or emptied into a small amount (2 oz or 60 ml) of juice and taken as directed. Rinse the container with an additional small amount of juice and drink the contents to make sure the entire dose is taken. DO NOT CHEW the food/medication mixture or prepare a supply in advance. Doing so may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects. Potent acid-reducing medicines such as lansoprazole can decrease the effectiveness of sucralfate, as well as other drugs such as the antifungals ketoconazole and itraconazole. If instructed to take any of these medicines while taking lansoprazole, consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the proper timing of each dose. For example, if you are instructed to take sucralfate in addition to lansoprazole, it is best to take the lansoprazole at least 30 minutes before your sucralfate. Use Prevacid regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. STORE Prevacid at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. CONTINUE TAKING Prevacid even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Prevacid, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Side Effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment include constipation or diarrhea. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience stomach pain. An allergic reaction to Prevacid is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Precautions
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Prevacid. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Prevacid during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Prevacid.

Drug Interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.

Notes
If you are taking Prevacid for gastric ulcers or reflux disease, your symptoms should improve within 4 to 8 weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE Prevacid with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Prevacid for other health conditions. KEEP Prevacid out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING Prevacid FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.