What Condition Does Lansoprazole Treat and Its Price?

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that is used in certain stomach and esophagus problems. The US FDA has already approved this medication. This comes as 15 mg and 30 mg capsules for oral use.

What condition does Lansoprazole treat?

Lansoprazole is a prescription medicine used to lessen the amount of acid in your stomach. This can be used to treat:

• Heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gastric ulcers or duodenal ulcers
• Stomach ulcers due to the use of NSAIDs
• Stomach infection along with an antibiotic
• Hypersecretory conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

How does Lansoprazole work?

Proton pumps are found on cells that line the stomach. It is used by these cells to produce stomach acid. Lansoprazole stops the proton pumps from working and this lessens the production of stomach acid. By lessening stomach acids, this medicine helps relieve painful heartburn symptoms and indigestion symptoms. Wherein, it is caused by too much acid flowing back into the food pipe. It also allows the food pipe to heal if it has been damaged by the acid.

By decreasing the quantity of acid in the duodenum and stomach, this medication allows ulcers to heal. It can be continued after they have healed to prevent them from coming back.

What is the dosage of Lansoprazole?

Lansoprazole is usually taken once a day before a meal or as directed by your doctor. It is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. The prescribed dosage will depend on your response to the treatment and medical condition. Your doctor may direct you to start at a low dose and slowly increase it. You should take the medicine exactly as it is given by your doctor and you should not take it often, more, or less than the prescription.

You should begin to feel better within 2 to 3 days. However, it may take 4 weeks for this medication to works well. As a result, during this time you may still have some acid symptoms. For some, it may require you to take Lansoprazole on a long-term basis. It is either to keep symptoms under control or to avoid the condition from coming back.

Do not suddenly stop taking Lansoprazole without the consent of your doctor. It is important to continue taking this even if you feel well. To help you remember, take it at the same time and in the same way each day. Drink sufficient fluids while having this medication. Doing so may reduce the risk of some side effects. If you missed a dose, call your doctor and ask for instructions. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose. Let your doctor know if your condition worsens or does not improve.

What are the precautions of Lansoprazole?

• Before taking Lansoprazole, tell your doctor if you have any medical history especially of lupus or liver disease.
• Inform your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to this medication. Tell also if you have any allergies. This drug may contain an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.
• Taking this medication for 3 months or longer can decrease the magnesium levels in your blood. This drug can further reduce your magnesium levels if they are already low. Your doctor may give you magnesium supplements and monitor your magnesium levels.
• People who take multiple doses of this drug per day for one year or longer may have an increased risk of fractures. If you already have osteoporosis, your risk is even higher.
• This medicine might cause damage to your kidney. Call your doctor if you have changes in urination or flank pain during treatment.
• This should also not be used in people younger than 18 years old.
• This is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, call your doctor right away.

Price of Lansoprazole vs. Prevacid

The generic Lansoprazole is cheap and recommended by most doctors for people suffering from stomach problems. Lansoprazole only cost:

• $0.3 per unit of 15 mg and $9.00 for 30 capsules
• $0.47 per unit of 30 mg and $14.00 for 30 capsules

The brand name Prevacid costs

• $14.76 per unit of 15 mg and $442.86 for 30 capsules
• $18.50 per unit of 30 mg and $554.86 for 30 capsules