Lansoprazole, Dexlansoprazole

What is Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole for?

Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole are used to treat  various conditions of the gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) tract including:

• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a condition where the acid from the stomach goes back up the food tube and throat, causing pain and a burning sensation known as heartburn
• Treating and preventing ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract

How should I take or use Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professionals
• You may take this medication with or without a meal
• Capsules should be swallowed whole with water
• Do not crush or chew the contents of the capsule
• If you have difficulty swallowing the capsule, you can open the capsule and swallow the content or suspend it in a slightly acidic fluid such as fruit juice
• You should drink the suspension within 30 minutes
• Oro-disintegrating tablets (ODT) are available in some hospitals
• To use, you may place the tablet on your tongue and gently suck.
• The tablet will dissolve in your mouth and release the medication.
• The ODT can also be swallowed whole with water.
• Do not crush or chew the ODT.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole?

If you forgot to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole?

Inform your healthcare professionals if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medications
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You have history of liver and/or kidney disease
• You have history of osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become weak or fragile, as this medication may increase your risk of bone fractures
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole?

These medications may decrease the absorption of several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron. Speak with your healthcare professional to determine if you need to supplement these vitamins and minerals.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intending to take any other medications, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

This includes certain medications such as:

• Medications used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
• Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin, clopidogrel)
• Oral anti-fungal medications (e.g. ketoconazole)
• Drugs used to treat the mood (e.g. fluvoxamine)
• Drugs used to manage seizures (e.g. phenytoin)
• Other medications e.g. cyclosporin, methotrexate

What are some common side effects of Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole?

Common side effects may include headache, diarrhoea, nausea

• These symptoms are usually mild and will pass over time

Signs that your condition may require further medical attention include:

• Shortness of breath, hoarseness, wheezing, teeth erosion and ear infection
• Alarm features including pain on swallowing, swallowing difficulty, blood in the stools or vomit, chest pain, unintended weight loss and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eye)
• Heartburn symptoms occurring for more than 3 times a week with significant impact on quality of life
• Heartburn symptoms continuing for more than 2 weeks despite self-treatment
• Heartburn symptoms continuing for over 3 months irregardless of self-treatment
• You are over 40 years old and experiencing heartburn symptoms for the first time
• You have watery or bloody stools that do not stop after a few days as this medication may increase your risk of diarrhoea caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile

If you experience any of these symptoms mentioned above, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• swollen face/ eyes/ lips / tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

How should I store Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

How do I throw away Lansoprazole and Dexlansoprazole safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin