Generic Prevacid®
Prevacid® is a drug most commonly prescribed to treat chronic heartburn or acid reflux disease though it can be used to treat other conditions as well. The drug's generic name is Lansoprazole. It comes in many different forms including 15 mg and 30 mg dissolvable tablets called solutabs, a liquid suspension that can be ingested orally, or as a liquid which can be injected (called Prevacid IV).
Prescription strength Prevacid® is most often used to combat the harmful effects of gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as GERD or simply acid reflux disease). However, it is also prescribed to lessen the chance of developing ulcers in some patients, as part of a course of treatment for H. Pylori infections (bacteria that can cause ulcers), or for the treatment of chronic conditions (such as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome) where the stomach constantly produces too much acid.
The drug is also available in non-prescription strength 15 mg solutabs and sold in pharmacies and drugstores under the trade name Prevacid® 24HR (sometimes called Prevacid® OTC).
Prevacid® 24HR
Prevacid® 24HR is the over the counter version of prescription strength Lansoprazole. It is indicated for the relief of frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs two or more times per week). The drug is a proton pump inhibitor and works by stopping the cells in the stomach lining that produce acid from doing their jobs, essentially lowering the level of acid in the stomach.
A lower acid level lessens the chance that any of it will leak back up into the esophagus and cause the burning and pain that is commonly called heartburn.
Prevacid® 24HR is designed to be taken once per day and is formulated as a delayed release drug, meaning that it's slowly dissolved into the bloodstream throughout the 24 hour period. Prevacid 24HR can be taken for up to 14 days at a time but then patients must stop taking the drug and not take it again for 4 months. The risks of continued used of Prevacid® include bone breakage, possible lung infections including pneumonia, and digestive problems including constipation and diarrhea.
Other side effects of Prevacid® include adverse drug interactions, allergic reaction, headache, and nausea.
Prevacid® 24HR is recommended for adults 18 years and older, however, doctors may prescribe Prevacid® for children as well, most often in smaller doses than in adults. Children should not take over the counter Prevacid® unless directed to do so by a doctor.
There have been several studies of the use of Lansoprazole in infants at much smaller amounts than even over the counter dosages of Prevacid® . Up to 62 percent of those tested experienced adverse reactions to the drug including lower respiratory infection. For that reason, Prevacid® should never be given to infants and toddlers (though your doctor may prescribe a Lansoprazole solution specially made for children).
Contact a Prevacid® Lawyer
If you've taken Prevacid® and experienced any of the adverse reactions or side effects, you may have the right to claim compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact our law firm today and speak with one of our Prevacid® lawyers about your case, confidentially and at no cost to you. But don't hesitate. Your compensation may be denied if you wait for too long. Contact us today to find out if you qualify for compensation.
