• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
LANSOPRAZOLE (lan SOE pra zole) prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, certain bacteria in the stomach, inflammation of the esophagus, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. It can also be used to prevent and treat ulcers in patients taking medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible.

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• dark yellow or brown urine
• fever or sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual skin rash, blistering, or peeling
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea or constipation
• headache
• nausea
• stomach pain or gas

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. This medicine works best if taken on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take more often than directed.

If you have difficulty swallowing the capsules, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a tablespoon of any of the following foods: applesauce, Ensure brand pudding, cottage cheese, yogurt, or strained pears. Do not crush the contents of the capsule into the food. Swallow the dose immediately after preparing it. Do not chew. Follow with a drink of water.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• atazanavir

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• ampicillin
• delavirdine
• digoxin
• iron salts
• itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, or other prescription medicines for fungus or yeast infections
• sucralfate
• theophylline
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to lansoprazole, any ingredient in the formulation, or to other substituted benzimidazoles (e.g., esomeprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole).

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
It can take several days before your stomach pain gets better. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your condition does not start to get better, or if it gets worse.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to lansoprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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