Prevacid DR (Lansoprazole)

Do’s

• Before starting Prevacid DR and with each refill, read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider
• Take Prevacid DR orally before a meal, as directed by your healthcare provider. The usual recommended dose is once daily. If you are self-treating, follow the directions on the product package. 
• The specific dosage and duration of treatment will depend on your medical condition and your response to the medication. For children, the dosage is determined based on their age and weight. 
• Swallow the capsules whole.
• If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle its contents on a spoonful of soft food (such as applesauce, cottage cheese, or yogurt). Swallow the mixture immediately without chewing it.
• Alternatively, empty the contents of the capsule into a small amount (2 ounces or 60 milliliters) of juice, stir, and drink the mixture immediately without chewing it. Rinse the glass with more juice and drink it to ensure you have taken the entire dose.
• If you are administering Prevacid DR through a tube into the stomach (nasogastric tube), consult your healthcare provider for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and administer the medication.
• If needed, antacids can be taken along with Prevacid DR. However, if you are also taking sucralfate, take Prevacid DR at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.
• Use Prevacid DR regularly to get the most benefit from it. Take it at the same time each day to help you remember. 
• Continue taking this medication for the prescribed length of treatment, even if you start feeling better. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition lasts or worsens. 
• If you are self-treating, inform your healthcare provider if your heartburn persists after 14 days or if you need to use the medication more frequently than once every 4 months. 

Don’ts

• Do not increase the dose or take the drug more frequently than directed.
• Do not crush or chew the Prevacid DR capsules.
• Do not prepare the mixture in advance for later use, as it may affect the effectiveness of the drug.
• If you are using the over-the-counter product for self-treatment, do not take it for more than 14 days unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Abdominal pain
• Benign fundic gland polyps
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• Stomachache
• Vomiting

Less Common Side Effects:

• Abnormal dreams, abnormal thinking
• Agitation, anxiety, apathy
• Depersonalization, emotional lability
• Hostility aggravated
• Increased/decreased libido
• Nervousness, neurosis
• Sleep disorder, visual hallucinations
• Abnormal vision, amblyopia
• Blepharitis, blurred vision
• Cataract, conjunctivitis
• Diplopia, dry eyes
• Eye disorder, eye pain
• Glaucoma, photophobia
• Ptosis, retinal degeneration/disorder
• Visual field defect 

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you are experiencing any unusual or severe side effects while taking Prevacid DR, consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Prevacid DR may interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

Prevacid DR may interfere with certain lab tests, potentially causing false test results. Inform lab personnel and all your healthcare providers that you are taking this medication.

Prevacid DR is generally intended for short-term use, typically ranging from 10 days to 12 weeks. Prolonged use beyond the recommended duration may have associated risks.

Discuss the use of Prevacid DR with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can provide guidance on the potential risks and benefits of using the medication during these periods.

Prevacid DR may be associated with certain serious health issues. If you experience heartburn or feelings of upset stomach that do not go away after two weeks, worsen, or recur after completing a course of treatment, speak to your healthcare provider.

Prevacid DR should be used with caution in specific populations, such as pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of the medication beyond the recommended duration have not been established in pediatric patients. Follow the recommended dose and duration of use as outlined by your healthcare provider.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions associated with Prevacid DR. Consult with your healthcare provider or refer to the drug label for comprehensive information and guidance specific to your situation.