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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Prevacid®24HR right for me?

Prevacid®24HR was evaluated for use in three multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies (1,2,3).  These three studies and supporting research were considered to provide the required data to support the approval of Prevacid®24HR as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for the treatment of frequent heartburn (heartburn occurring two or more days per week).  When used in accordance with its OTC labeling, Prevacid®24HR has a well-established safety profile, which is monitored as part of Perrigo's Post-Marketing Drug Safety Surveillance Program*.

*Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn (occurring 2 or more days per week). May take 1-4 days for full effect.  Do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months, unless directed by a doctor. Not intended for immediate relief.

What is frequent heartburn?

Frequent heartburn is defined as heartburn that occurs two or more days per week. Prevacid®24HR is clinically proven to treat frequent heartburn.

What are the common symptoms of frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs two or more days a week)?

If you have frequent heartburn, these are a few of the common symptoms you probably know all too well:

  • A burning sensation in the chest just below or behind the breast bone
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Pain that gets worse when you're lying down
What is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)?

Specialized cells release acid through proton pumps into the stomach. So a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is the name given to acid-reducing medicine that stops or inhibits these proton pumps from releasing acid into the stomach and prevents heartburn.

How does Prevacid® 24HR work?

Prevacid®24HR works by stopping the release of acid into the stomach. This type of acid-reducing 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 the acid that causes frequent heartburn for a full 24 hours with one pill a day.

Although some people get complete relief of heartburn symptoms within 24 hours, it may take 1-4 days for complete relief. It’s important to take Prevacid®24HR every day for the full 14-day course of treatment and no more than once every four months unless directed by a doctor or healthcare professional.

Who should take Prevacid®24HR?

Adults who are 18 years or older with frequent heartburn (heartburn occurring two or more days a week) can take Prevacid®24HR for effective heartburn relief*.

Who should not take Prevacid®24HR?

It’s important to carefully follow the label directions for Prevacid®24HR.  If you have any questions about whether you should take Prevacid®24HR, ask your healthcare professional.

Can pregnant women take Prevacid®24HR?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask a healthcare professional before taking any heartburn medication, including Prevacid®24HR.

What are the dosing instructions for Prevacid®24HR?

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 healthcare professional.

Why doesn't Prevacid®24HR work immediately?

Prevacid®24HR doesn't mask the acid that's already there. It works by preventing the release of acid at the source. Although some people get complete relief of heartburn symptoms within 24 hours with Prevacid®24HR, it may take 1-4 days for full effect.

What is the difference between Prevacid®24HR, Nexium® 24HR1 and Prilosec OTC®2?

While all three frequent heartburn medicines are PPIs, they contain different active ingredients. Prevacid®24HR contains lansoprazole, Prilosec OTC® contains omeprazole, and Nexium®24HR contains esomeprazole.

What are the differences between Prevacid®24HR, and H2 blockers, such as Pepcid®3 and Zantac®4?

Like the name says, Prevacid®24HR is designed to prevent the acid that causes frequent heartburn for a full 24 hours. By taking one pill, you can effectively relieve* frequent heartburn all through the day and all through the night. Pepcid® and Zantac® start working a little sooner, but relieve heartburn only for up to 12 hours so you may need to take more than one pill for a 24-hour relief.

What is the difference between Prevacid®24HR and Pepto-Bismol®5?

Unlike Prevacid®24HR, Pepto-Bismol® is not indicated to treat frequent heartburn. It only provides short-term relief from occasional heartburn. Prevacid®24HR prevents the acid that causes heartburn, stopping frequent heartburn before it starts, so you can live life heartburn free.

What are the indications for Prevacid®24HR and prescription Prevacid®?

Prevacid®24HR is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn (heartburn that occurs two or more days per week). Prevacid® is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of serious acid-related conditions.

Where can I buy Prevacid®24HR?

Prevacid®24HR is available at your local drugstore and most retail outlets, including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, and others.

How do I use Prevacid®24HR?

Prevacid®24HR is a 15mg delayed-release pill 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. It is not intended for immediate relief.

How many times a day should I be taking Prevacid®24HR?

You should swallow one pill with a glass of water before eating in the morning. Take every day for 14 days and do not take more than one pill a day. Swallow whole and do not crush or chew the pills. Do not use for more than 14 days unless directed by your doctor.

What happens if I forget to take my Prevacid®24HR pill?

If you forget to take your Prevacid®24HR pill during your 14-day course treatment you can take one as soon as you remember, but do not take a double dose to make up for the pill you forgot to take. If you have any questions about whether you should take Prevacid®24HR, ask a healthcare professional.

Sources :

  1. Nexium® is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca AB
  2. Prilosec OTC® is a registered trademark of AstraZeneca AB
  3. Pepcid® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson
  4. Zantac® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  5. Pepto-Bismol® is a registered trademark of The Procter & Gamble Company