Prevacid (lansoprazole), like any other prescription medication, has its potential side effects that may cause alarm in patients suffering from GERD and related acid reflux symptoms.  As a PPI (proton pump inhibitor), Prevacid’s main function is to inhibit the production of acid produced in the stomach and is mainly intended for short-term therapy, although some indications for long-term use are considered.  As with taking any medication, make sure your health care professional is aware of all other drugs you are taking, including prescription, nonprescription, vitamins and mineral supplementation. 

All Prevacid varieties are delayed-release and should be taken at least 30 minutes prior to eating.  Currently, you can get 15 mg and 30 mg strengths in oral capsules, oral disintegrating tablets and oral suspension forms.  An obvious benefit of this medication is it can be prescribed to infants and young children afflicted with acid reflux symptoms.  Although the package instructions state you can sprinkle the capsule contents into a glass of apple, orange or tomato juice for those with trouble swallowing pills, orange juice and tomato juice are known risk factors for causing an increase in acid reflux symptoms. 

Common side effects related to taking Prevacid are abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and nausea.  More side effects, though much less common, can include asthma exacerbations, heart palpitations, taste perversion and loss of taste, weight gain/loss and joint and muscle pains.  If you notice any side effects while taking this medication and feel you are unable to tolerate them, discontinue use immediately and contact your prescribing physician for an alternative treatment.

It should be understood that while Prevacid can treat the symptoms relating to GERD and other acid reflux symptoms this is not a cure.  This medicine will only be effective for symptom control while being administered and the acid production inhibited by the PPI can return once the medication is stopped, and in some cases even be worse after treatment.  Other medications taken concomitantly with Prevacid can lessen the effect or even trigger worsened side effects related to either medication.  Patients taking blood thinners may need to be monitored closely during treatment to avoid bleeding concerns.  Also, as a class B pregnancy drug, there are no long-term studies to indicate harm or lack thereof to the fetus and should be used only as a last resort.  Likewise, no studies have shown whether this drug is excreted in the breast milk of nursing mothers, therefore careful consideration should be given prior to breastfeeding while on this medication. 

Prevacid’s side effects may not seem too devastating and may not occur at high rates with a number of patients.  However, it’s important for every patient to arm themselves in knowing all potential issues related to any medication prior to taking.  A proactive stance is far better than the shock of the unexpected.