FAQs
How does
Prevacid®24HR work?
Prevacid®24HR is part of a newer class of acid-reducer medicines called Proton Pump Inhibitors
(also known as PPIs). It prevents acid that causes heartburn pain for a full 24 hours with one
pill a day. It works by stopping the release of most acid into the stomach. As with all
over-the-counter PPIs, although some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours, it
may take 1-4 days for full effect. Consumers should continue to take Prevacid®24HR every day
for a full 14-day course of treatment.
Q: What are
the indications for Prevacid®24HR and prescription Prevacid®++?
A: Prevacid®24HR is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn (heartburn
that occurs two or more days per week) in adults.
Prevacid® is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of many other acid-related
conditions.
Q: What is
the difference between Prevacid®24HR and Prilosec OTC®**?
A: While Prevacid®24HR and Prilosec OTC®** are both OTC PPIs, they contain different
active ingredients. Prevacid®24HR is the only PPI approved for OTC treatment of frequent
heartburn that contains the active ingredient lansoprazole. Prilosec OTC®**, like some store
brand OTC PPIs, contains omeprazole magnesium. Prevacid®24HR is the first and only OTC PPI for
the treatment of frequent heartburn approved in its original formulation.
Q: What is
the difference between Prevacid®24HR and H2s, like Pepcid®*** and/or
Zantac®+?
A: Prevacid®24HR is a newer class of drug called a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI).
Prevacid®24HR works by stopping the release of acid into the stomach from specialized cells
called "proton pumps." Prevacid®24HR prevents the acid that causes heartburn at the
source.
H2 is the abbreviation for a class of drugs called histamine (2) receptor
antagonists. H2 blockers work by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the
stomach.
Q: How safe is
Prevacid®24HR?
A: Lansoprazole, the active ingredient in Prevacid®24HR, has a well-established safety record.
For nearly 15 years now, doctors have prescribed Prevacid® (lansoprazole) to treat acid-related
conditions in millions of people safely.
Q: Who
should take Prevacid®24HR?
A: Adults who are 18 years or older with frequent heartburn (heartburn occurring two or
more days a week) can take Prevacid®24HR.
Q: Who
should not take Prevacid®24HR?
A: It is important to read and carefully follow the labeling directions for use on
Prevacid®24HR. People who are allergic to lansoprazole or have trouble or pain swallowing food,
vomiting with blood, or bloody or black stools should not use Prevacid®24HR, as these may be
signs of a serious condition. Consumers should ask a healthcare professional if they have any
questions about whether they should take Prevacid®24HR.
Q: Can
pregnant women take Prevacid®24HR?
A: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask a healthcare professional
before taking Prevacid®24HR.
Q: What are the dosing
instructions for Prevacid®24HR?
A: Prevacid®24HR is a 15 mg delayed-release capsule to be taken once a day before eating in the
morning. As with all over-the-counter PPIs, Prevacid®24HR is a 14-day course of treatment and
can be repeated every four months, or as directed by a doctor.
Q: Where
can I buy Prevacid®24HR?
A: Prevacid®24HR is available at Walgreens and
Walgreens.com.
Q: What is
frequent heartburn?
A: Frequent heartburn is defined as heartburn that occurs two
or more days per week.
Q: How
does Prevacid®24HR work?
A: Prevacid®24HR is part of a newer class of acid-reducer medicines called Proton
Pump Inhibitors (also known as PPIs). It prevents acid that causes heartburn pain for a full 24
hours with one pill a day. It works by stopping the release of most acid into the stomach. As
with all over-the-counter PPIs, although some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24
hours, it may take 1-4 days for full effect. Consumers should continue to take Prevacid®24HR
every day for a full 14-day course of treatment.
Q: How
long does it take to get relief from frequent heartburn with Prevacid®24HR?
A: As with all over-the-counter PPIs, although some people get complete relief of
symptoms within 24 hours, it may take 1-4 days for full effect. Consumers should continue to
take Prevacid®24HR every day for the full 14-day course of treatment to treat their frequent
heartburn.
Q: Why
doesn't Prevacid®24HR provide immediate relief of frequent heartburn?
A: As with all over-the-counter PPIs, Prevacid®24HR is not intended for immediate
relief. Prevacid®24HR works by stopping the release of acid into the stomach. It provides 24
hour relief, all day and all night. Although some people get complete relief of symptoms within
24 hours, it may take 1-4 days for full effect.
*Lansoprazole delayed-release capsules 15 mg / acid reducer. Prevacid®24HR may take 1-4 days
for full effect, although some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours.
**Prilosec OTC® is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca AB
***Pepcid® is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.
+Zantac® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Prevacid®24HR is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn, which occurs 2 or more days
a week. Use as directed for 14 days. You may repeat one 14-day course every 4 months or as
directed by your doctor. If your heartburn continues or worsens stop use and ask your
doctor.
Intended for residents of the U.S. and its territories and possessions only.
Prevacid® is a registered trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc., and is used
under license.
++Prevacid® is indicated to treat many other acid related conditions.
© 2009 Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. U_01977-00