What is the most important information I should know about Prevacid?

• Do not stop taking Prevacid even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.

What is Prevacid?

• Prevacid decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
• Prevacid is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
• Prevacid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Prevacid?

• Before taking Prevacid, tell your doctor if you ever have liver disease. You may not be able to take Prevacid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment…
• The 15 mg and 30 mg Prevacid SoluTabs contain 2.5 mg and 5.1 mg phenylalanine respectively per tablet. Individuals with phenylketonuria may need to monitor their intake of this additive.
• Prevacid is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Prevacid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Prevacid passes into breast milk. Do not take Prevacid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Prevacid?

• Take Prevacid exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Prevacid should be taken just before a meal.
• If you have difficulty swallowing, the Prevacid capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a tablespoonful of applesauce. The pellets should be mixed with the applesauce and then swallowed immediately. The applesauce should not be hot and should be soft enough to be swallowed without chewing. The pellets should not be chewed or crushed. The pellet/ applesauce mixture should not be stored for later use. The capsule contents can also be mixed with ENSURE pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, strained pears, or apple, orange, tomato juice and consumed immediately. If the pellets are mixed with juice, after consuming the mixture the glass should be rinsed with an additional two ounces of juice and the contents swallowed immediately. The granules must not be chewed or crushed.
• It is important to take Prevacid regularly to get the most benefit.
• Your doctor may want to schedule tests or appointments to monitor your treatment with Prevacid.
• For patients who have a nasogastric tube in place, the Prevacid capsules can be opened and the intact granules mixed in 40 mL of apple juice and injected through the nasogastric tube into the stomach. After administering the granules, the nasogastric tube should be flushed with additional apple juice to clear the tube.
• Each packet of Prevacid for Delayed-Release Oral Suspension should be emptied into a container containing 2 tablespoons of water. Stir well and drink the mixture immediately. Do not crush or chew the granules. After drinking the mixture, add more water, stir, and drink immediately. Do not use other liquids or foods to mix the contents of the package.
• The Prevacid SoluTabs should be placed on the tongue and allowed to disintegrate with or without water until the particles can be swallowed. The Prevacid SoluTabs are not designed to be swallowed intact or chewed. The tablet typically disintegrates in less than one minute.
• Do not stop taking Prevacid even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the condition is fully treated.
• Store Prevacid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of an Prevacid overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Prevacid?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Prevacid, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Prevacid?

• Serious side effects from Prevacid are not common. Stop taking Prevacid and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Prevacid and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain;
  • dizziness; or
  • headache.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Prevacid?

• Sucralfate (Carafate), which is also used to treat stomach conditions, will decrease the amount of Prevacid that is absorbed through the stomach. Prevacid should be taken at least 30 minutes before sucralfate to prevent an interaction.
• Some other medications such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), ampicillin (Omnipen, Principen), digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), and iron (Feosol, Mol-Iron, Fergon, Femiron) may have decreased effects because Prevacid hinders their absorption from the stomach. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Prevacid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.