Buy Generic Prevacid Online

Generic Prevacid Information

Introduction

Prevacid is a prescription medication used to reduce excess stomach acid. Its active ingredient is lansoprazole, a proton‑pump inhibitor (PPI) classified in the Gastro Health group. In Hong Kong, Prevacid is approved for the treatment of gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and for the prevention of NSAID‑induced ulcer recurrence. The drug is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and is also available as generic lansoprazole tablets supplied by several international producers.

What is Prevacid?

Prevacid contains 15 mg or 30 mg of lansoprazole per tablet. Lansoprazole is a synthetic benzimidazole derivative developed in the early 199s and marketed worldwide under various brand names, including Prevacid (Takeda) and Lanoxin. The medication belongs to the proton‑pump inhibitor class, which directly inhibits the gastric H⁺/K⁺‑ATPase enzyme responsible for the final step of acid secretion in parietal cells. Prevacid is supplied as oral tablets that are enteric‑coated to protect the active compound from degradation by gastric acid.

How Prevacid Works

Lansoprazole binds covalently to cysteine residues on the H⁺/K⁺‑ATPase pump located on the luminal surface of gastric parietal cells. By irreversibly inactivating this pump, the drug blocks the secretion of hydrogen ions into the gastric lumen, leading to a profound and sustained rise in gastric pH. The effect begins within 1–3 hours after oral administration, reaches maximal suppression after 2–4 days of once‑daily dosing, and persists for up to 24 hours because new proton pumps must be synthesized for acid production to resume. The drug is metabolised primarily by hepatic CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzymes, with an elimination half‑life of approximately 1.5 hours; however, the pharmacodynamic effect lasts much longer due to the irreversible nature of pump inhibition.

Conditions Treated with Prevacid

• Gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD affects an estimated 7–10 % of adults in Hong Kong, causing heartburn and oesophagitis. By raising gastric pH, Prevacid promotes mucosal healing and reduces reflux symptoms.
• Erosive oesophagitis. Confirmed by endoscopy, this condition benefits from the potent acid suppression provided by lansoprazole, facilitating rapid mucosal repair.
• Duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer. H. pylori‑negative or -positive ulcers respond to PPIs as part of combination therapy. Lansoprazole promotes ulcer healing and reduces the risk of recurrence.
• Prevention of NSAID‑induced ulcer recurrence. Chronic NSAID users are at high risk of gastroduodenal bleeding; daily low‑dose lansoprazole significantly lowers this risk.
• Zollinger‑Ellison syndrome (off‑label). Rare gastrin‑producing tumours cause hyper‑secretion of acid; high‑dose lansoprazole can be used under specialist supervision.

Who is Prevacid For?

Prevacid is indicated for adult patients (≥18 years) who require potent and sustained gastric acid reduction. It is particularly suitable for:

• Individuals with frequent heartburn or documented erosive oesophagitis unresponsive to antacids or H2‑receptor antagonists.
• Patients with a confirmed duodenal or gastric ulcer, especially when combined with eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori.
• Long‑term NSAID users who have a history of ulceration or are at high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Contra‑indications include known hypersensitivity to lansoprazole or any benzimidazole derivatives, and concomitant use of drugs that require an acidic gastric environment for absorption (e.g., ketoconazole). Caution is advised in patients with severe hepatic impairment, as drug clearance may be reduced.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache – mild to moderate, usually transient.
• Diarrhoea or constipation – may reflect altered gastric flora.
• Nausea or abdominal pain – often resolves within the first weeks of therapy.

Rare

• Dermatologic reactions – including rash, pruritus, or photosensitivity.
• Elevated serum transaminases – asymptomatic, typically normalises on discontinuation.

Serious

• Clostridioides difficile infection – prolonged acid suppression can predispose to severe colitis.
• Fracture risk – long‑term (>1 year) use is associated with a modest increase in hip, wrist, and vertebral fractures, likely due to impaired calcium absorption.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency – chronic suppression of gastric acid may reduce B12 absorption, leading to anaemia or neuropathy.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• Clopidogrel – lansoprazole may reduce the conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite, diminishing antiplatelet efficacy.
• Warfarin – PPIs can increase INR; monitor coagulation parameters when initiating or discontinuing Prevacid.
• Dolutegravir, Atazanavir, and other HIV protease inhibitors – reduced absorption due to increased gastric pH; dosage adjustments may be required.
• Ketoconazole, Itraconazole – these antifungals require an acidic environment; co‑administration can lead to therapeutic failure.
• Methotrexate (high‑dose) – decreased renal clearance may increase toxicity; monitor serum levels.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant medications, including over‑the‑counter supplements such as calcium carbonate.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing – 15 mg or 30 mg once daily, taken before a meal (usually 30 minutes prior to breakfast). For healing of erosive oesophagitis, the usual dose is 30 mg daily for 8 weeks.
• Missed dose – Take the missed tablet as soon as remembered unless it is near the time of the next scheduled dose; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.
• Overdose – Acute overdose of lansoprazole is rare and generally well tolerated. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Seek medical attention if a large number of tablets are ingested.
• Food and alcohol – The drug’s absorption is not significantly affected by food, but taking it with a full glass of water improves bioavailability. Alcohol should be limited, as excessive intake can aggravate gastritis.
• Renal or hepatic impairment – No dosage adjustment is required for mild‑to‑moderate renal dysfunction. In severe hepatic impairment, the lowest effective dose should be used, and patients should be monitored closely.

Buying Prevacid from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients in Hong Kong can obtain Prevacid through our online pharmacy. The service offers:

• Affordable pricing – Prices are close to the manufacturer’s cost because we source the medication from vetted overseas licensed pharmacies.
• Verified quality – Each batch is supplied by regulators‑approved manufacturers and undergoes authenticity checks before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet packaging with optional express shipping (delivery within 7 days) or standard airmail (approximately 3 weeks).
• Online‑only access – Our pharmacy broker model works with international suppliers, enabling patients to obtain medications that may have limited local stock or are not covered by insurance.
• Privacy protection – Orders are processed with strict confidentiality; personal data is encrypted and not shared with third parties.

This model provides a safe and cost‑effective alternative for patients who encounter pricing barriers or supply shortages in traditional retail pharmacies.

FAQ

• Is Prevacid available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes. The brand‑name product is marketed as Prevacid by Takeda, while generic lansoprazole tablets produced by licensed manufacturers are also available. Generic versions contain the same active ingredient and dosage strength.

• What should I do if I travel abroad with Prevacid?
  Keep the tablets in their original packaging, store them at room temperature, and carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note. Some countries require documentation for personal import of prescription medicines.

• Does Prevacid need to be refrigerated?
  No. Prevacid should be stored at a controlled room temperature (15 °C–30 °C), protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

• How long can I safely store Prevacid after the expiry date?
  The medication should not be used beyond the printed expiry date. Stability data for lansoprazole beyond this period are not available, and potency cannot be guaranteed.

• Are there any differences in tablet formulation between regions?
  The active ingredient, lansoprazole, is identical worldwide, but inactive excipients (e.g., fillers, colourants) may vary slightly between Asian, European, and North American manufacturers. These differences rarely affect clinical effectiveness.

• Can Prevacid cause a false‑positive result on drug tests?
  Lansoprazole is not known to interfere with standard occupational drug‑screening assays and does not produce false‑positive results for commonly tested substances.

• What are the key clinical trials that established Prevacid’s efficacy?
  Large, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine and Gastroenterology demonstrated that lansoprazole at 15 mg and 30 mg doses healed erosive oesophagitis in >90 % of patients within 8 weeks, outperforming H2‑receptor antagonists.

• How does Prevacid compare with older PPIs such as omeprazole?
  Lansoprazole has a similar potency to omeprazole but may achieve a slightly faster onset of acid suppression in some patients. Both drugs share comparable safety profiles; choice often depends on physician preference, cost, or patient response.

• Is it safe to take calcium carbonate together with Prevacid?
  Calcium carbonate requires an acidic environment for optimal absorption, so taking it simultaneously with a PPI may reduce calcium uptake. It is advisable to separate dosing by at least 2 hours.

• What precautions should elderly patients observe when using Prevacid long‑term?
  Older adults have an increased risk of bone fractures and vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged PPI use. Periodic monitoring of bone density and serum B12 levels is recommended, and the lowest effective dose should be prescribed.

Glossary

Proton‑pump inhibitor (PPI)

A class of medication that irreversibly blocks the H⁺/K⁺‑ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells, leading to marked reduction of stomach acid production.

Enteric coating

A protective polymer layer applied to tablets that prevents dissolution in the acidic stomach, allowing release of the drug in the more neutral environment of the intestine.

CYP2C19

A liver enzyme that metabolises many drugs, including lansoprazole. Genetic variations can affect the speed of metabolism, influencing drug levels and response.

Erosive oesophagitis

Inflammation and damage to the oesophageal lining caused by chronic exposure to gastric acid, often diagnosed by endoscopy.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Prevacid is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Prevacid for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.