Now that the patent on a popular persistent heartburn drug is expired, lansoprazole is available over the counter as Prevacid 24HR. Before this particular med became popular without a doctor’s prescription, it was sold under numerous other names.
Some of the names under which lansoprazole was made in the past include the following: Prevacid (prescription form) in the U.S. and Canada, Lanzor in France, Laprazol in Greece, Agopton in Germany, and Lanzol in India. This is only a short, short, list of the many brands associated with this drug.
The prescription version of this drug was typically in the past offered in 15 mg and 30 mg oral capsules/delayed release pellets. It was marketed by more than one company.
The non-prescription version just recently became available towards the end of 2009. It is administered in the 15mg capsule dosage forms. This was only about five months after the FDA approved the non-prescription form of Prevacid 24HR delayed released tables in May of this very same year.
Of course, whenever a prescription drug is made available as a non-prescription there are just many questions that people just “have” to ask. Some of the answers to frequently asked questions pertaining to Prevacid 24HR are presented below.
Yes, it has been tested and approved for safety. This decision was based on both past and present research of the drug lansoprazole.
It helps inhibit acid production that usually takes place in the stomach. It is technically referred to as a “proton pump inhibitor.”
The most common ones include headaches, dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Rarer side effects include heart trouble and/or chest pain, dizziness, liver trouble, or unexplained weight loss. A complete side effects guide may be available from your local health professional.
It is recommended that you use it for no more than 14 days in a row. This treatment can be repeated again though after about four months have passed. Exceptions might occur if otherwise directed by your doctor.
No, Prevacid is not appropriate for people under the age of 18. Parents might be able to get some advice about letting teenagers use it though, but they probably will need to be supervised.