Medications and Drugs

Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow

GENERIC NAME: LANSOPRAZOLE AND NAPROXEN - ORAL (lan-SO-pruh-zole/nah-PROX-en)

BRAND NAME(S): Prevacid Naprapac

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis in patients who have had a stomach ulcer. This product is two separate medications, lansoprazole and naproxen. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes a natural hormone-like substance (prostaglandins) which in turn helps to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation). The benefits of naproxen may include reduced joint swelling/pain, morning stiffness, night pain, and pain at rest. Lansoprazole blocks acid production in the stomach. It is known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Naproxen can cause stomach ulcers, especially in patients with a history of stomach ulcers. When taken together, these medications may provide the benefits of naproxen, while reducing the risk of new ulcers that can occur with naproxen use.

HOW TO USE: Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This product comes in a convenience package (blister card). Each blister card provides enough drug for one week of therapy, and is marked to allow easy dosing of the two medications. The naproxen comes as a tablet that should be taken twice daily (in the morning and evening) with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. The lansoprazole comes as a capsule and should be taken once daily before eating with the morning dose of naproxen. Swallow this medication whole. If you have difficulty swallowing it, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto soft food (e.g., apple sauce, cottage cheese, yogurt), or emptied into a small amount (2 oz or 60 ml) of juice and taken as directed. Rinse the container with an additional small amount of juice and drink the contents to make sure the entire dose is taken. Do not chew the food/medication mixture or prepare a supply in advance; this may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.