HEALTH INFORMATION:
PREVACID USES Prevacid is a prescription medication that helps people fight the heartburn associated with acid reflux disease. It also helps to heal existing damage to the esophagus. In addition, it is used in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as ulcers caused by taking NSAID medications for arthritis and pain. Prevacid is effective for both treatment and prevention. HOW PREVACID WORKS Cells in the lining of the stomach contain acid pumps. These pumps produce the acid needed to digest food. Prevacid blocks the final stage of acid production, which reduces the amount of acid in the stomach. Therefore, there is less acid to back up into the esophagus. As a result, Prevacid helps relieve the painful, burning feeling called heartburn. At the same time, it aids in healing any erosion that may have already occurred. Maintenance therapy can help stop the esophageal damage from coming back. PREVACID'S EFFECTIVENESS Prevacid is effective both in treating current episodes of GERD, erosive esophagitis and ulcers, and in preventing a recurrence of such problems. Plus, it comes in a range of forms that make it easy for almost anyone or any age group to take it. PREVACID DOSAGE Prevacid is the brand name for the generic medication known as lansoprazole. It comes in a variety of forms: 15-mg pink/green capsules; 30-mg pink/black capsules; 15-mg packets containing pale brown and pink granules; 30-mg packets containing pale brown and pink granules; 15-mg small, round, off-white Solutabs with speckles; and 30-mg medium, round, off-white Solutabs with speckles. Prevacid comes in more forms than any other medication of its type. The packets can be dissolved in water or other liquids. The Solutabs are strawberry-flavored and dissolve quickly in the mouth. The starting dose will also vary depending on the condition being treated. Adults with GERD should take 15 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks. Adults with erosive esophagitis take 30 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks. Adults who want to maintain healing of erosive esophagitis take 15 mg once a day. Adults with duodenal ulcers take 15 mg once a day to heal, and then continue the same dose for maintenance. Adults with gastric (stomach) ulcers take 30 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks. For healing of NSAID-linked ulcers in adults, the dose is usually 30 mg once a day for up to 8 weeks. To reduce the risk of ulcers in adults who take NSAID medications, use a dose of 15 mg once a day for up to 12 weeks. For children with GERD or erosive esophagitis (between the ages of 1 and 11 years), give 15 to 30 mg, depending on weight, once a day for up to 12 weeks. HOW TO TAKE PREVACID Prevacid should be taken before eating. For people who have trouble swallowing pills, there are a number of different options. The capsules can be opened and sprinkled into juice or soft foods (be sure to follow the package directions as to what type of foods to use.). The granular Prevacid packets, which are strawberry flavored, can be mixed with two tablespoons of water and swallowed as a drink. Strawberry-flavored Prevacid Solutabs can be placed in the mouth, where they will dissolve quickly. HOW/WHERE TO STORE PREVACID Store Prevacid in its original, tightly closed container, at room temperature and away from heat, light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

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