Prevacid® Side Effects
Prevacid® is a commonly prescribed drug that is widely available in its non-prescription strength form as an over the counter heartburn relief medication (Prevacid® 24HR, sometimes called Prevacid® OTC). The drug is generally deemed safe for use by otherwise healthy adults and can even be given to children under 18 with a doctor's permission. However, Prevacid® is the brand name for Lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, and all PPIs have inherent risks involved with taking them.
The side effects of Prevacid® can range from:
- Mild to moderate constipation/Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea which may induce vomiting
- Stomach pain
All the way up to more serious and even life-threatening side effects including:
- Severe allergic reactions (swelling of the mouth, throat, and airways)
- Hives or painful rashes
- Hip, spine, and wrist fractures
Prevacid® may also interact with several common medications including:
- Warfarin (a blood-thinner)
- Prescription strength antifungal or anti-yeast medications
- Digoxin (heart medication)
- Theophylline (asthma medication)
- Tacrolimus (an immune system medication)
- Atazanavir (HIV medication)
Because Prevacid® decreases the amount of acid in the stomach, it may also interfere with the absorption of medications which require a certain amount of acid in the stomach for proper usage.
Prevacid® Side Effects for Infants
The FDA has reported on studies that have been done using Lansoprazole (the active drug in Prevacid®) on children older than 10 weeks but in much smaller doses than available in prescription strength or even over the counter Prevacid® pills. These studies found that 62 percent of the infants given Lansoprazole experienced what researchers call "adverse effects." The most common adverse effect was lower respiratory or lung infections. Other side effects included diarrhea and cellulitis (a condition where the skin cells rupture and ooze.)
In addition, nursing mothers are cautioned not to use Lansoprazole (or to discontinue nursing while using the drug) because the drug has been shown to cause cancer in lab rats.
Long Term Side Effects of Prevacid®
Even in its prescription form Prevacid® is not indicated for long-term use. However, because it is most often used to treat chronic conditions such as GERD (acid reflux disease) patients tend to take it for extended periods of time.
Several studies have looked into PPIs as a cause for osteoporosis, enteric infection, and pneumonia.
Prevacid® Bone Fracture Risk
The FDA reviewed 7 observational studies, 6 of which found a direct correlation to PPI use and bone fracture, and mandated a change in warning labels for these drugs. These fractures were most common in patients 50 and older and those who had taken PPI medication for more than a year or at higher doses than normally prescribed (or multiple times per day).
Contact a Prevacid® Attorney
If you've taken Prevacid® (or Lansoprazole in any of its many forms) and experienced side effects, you may be entitled to compensation and payment for your damages. Contact a qualified Prevacid® attorney today to find out if you qualify to file a claim.
