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PREVACID
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Prevacid decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Prevacid is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers, erosive esophagitis (damage to the esophagus from stomach acid), and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Prevacid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How Taken
Prevacid comes as an extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take it orally. Prevacid usually is taken once a day, before a meal. Take Prevacid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The capsule should be swallowed whole. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, Prevacid can be opened, and the granules can be sprinkled on applesauce and swallowed immediately. The granules should not be chewed or crushed. Continue to take Prevacid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Prevacid without talking to your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Prevacid, tell your doctor if you ever have liver disease. You may not be able to take Prevacid, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Prevacid is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Prevacid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Prevacid passes into breast milk. Do not take Prevacid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Possible Side Effects
Serious side effects from Prevacid are not common. Stop taking Prevacid and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Prevacid and talk to your doctor if you experience
-diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain;
-dizziness; or
-headache.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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