Frequently Asked Questions

Pick a question below to get the answer.

• What is frequent heartburn?
  
• How does Prevacid^®24HR work?
  
• Who should take Prevacid^®24HR?
  
• Who should not take Prevacid^®24HR?
  
• Can pregnant women take Prevacid^®24HR?
  
• What are the dosing instructions for Prevacid^®24HR?
  
• How safe is Prevacid^®24HR?
  
• Does Prevacid^®24HR have any side effects?
  
• Does Prevacid^®24HR interfere with digestion?
  
• What is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)?
  
• Why doesn't Prevacid^®24HR work immediately?
  
• What is the difference between Prevacid^®24HR and Prilosec OTC^®?
  
• What is the difference between Prevacid^®24HR and H₂ blockers (like Pepcid^®** and/or Zantac^®***)?
  
• What are the indications for Prevacid^®24HR and prescription Prevacid^®?
  
• Where can I buy Prevacid^®24HR?
  

Q: What is frequent heartburn?
A: Frequent heartburn is defined as heartburn that occurs 2 or more days per week.

Q: How does Prevacid^®24HR work?
A: Prevacid^®24HR works by stopping the release of acid into the stomach. This type of acid-reducer medicine is called a Proton Pump Inhibitor, commonly known as a PPI. Prevacid^®24HR is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn. Prevacid^®24HR prevents acid that causes frequent heartburn for a full 24 hours with one pill a day.

Although some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours, it may take 1-4 days for full effect. It's important to take Prevacid^®24HR every day for the full 14-day course of treatment.

Q: Who should take Prevacid^®24HR?
A: Adults who are 18 years or older with frequent heartburn (heartburn occurring 2 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. If you have any questions about whether you should take Prevacid^®24HR, ask a healthcare professional.

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 15mg 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: 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: Does Prevacid^®24HR have any side effects?
A: Like all medicines, Prevacid^®24HR may cause side effects. The most common are headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Q: Does Prevacid^®24HR interfere with digestion?
A: No. It works by stopping the release of most acid from the "proton pumps," but leaves enough to promote normal digestion.

Q: What is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)?
A: Specialized cells release acid through proton pumps into the stomach. So a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) is the name given to describe this type of acid-reducer medicine that stops or inhibits these "proton pumps" from releasing acid into the stomach.

Q: Why doesn't Prevacid^®24HR work immediately?
A: As with all over-the-counter PPIs, Prevacid^®24HR is not intended for immediate relief. Prevacid^®24HR doesn't mask the acid that's already there. It works by stopping the release of acid at the source. Although some people get complete relief of symptoms within 24 hours, it may take 1-4 days for full effect.

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 H₂ blockers (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: 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. For more details, visit www.prevacid.com.

Q: Where can I buy Prevacid^®24HR?
A: Prevacid^®24HR is available at a local drugstore and most retailer outlets, too, including Walmart, Target, Costco, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger and others.

Where to Buy