The generic drug Lansoprazole is marketed in the United States under the brand name Prevacid. The drug is typically administered orally to relieve the excess acid produced by some gastrointestinal disorders. Although other conditions may justify its use, the medication is often used for duodenal ulcers, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
GERD, also called acid reflux disease, is occurring when bile or stomach acid rises from the stomach into the esophagus which is the passageway connecting the mouth and the stomach. While most people have already experienced acid indigestion, GERD is more than just a heartburn as it occurs more than twice a week and cannot be remedied by simple dietary modifications and over-the-counter antacids. A patient’s normal lifestyle can be affected due to the discomfort GERD can cause.
Sores that grow within the upper section of the small intestine is known as Duodenal ulcers. Just like the ulcers in the esophagus and stomach, they are at times referred to as peptic ulcers which can be brought about by a bacterium. Treatment options for peptic ulcers may involve antibiotics and PPI or proton pump inhibitor medication.
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare, but troublesome, condition caused by tumors of the duodenum or the pancreas and bordering lymph nodes. The tumors themselves produce gastrin, which is a hormone that causes the patient’s stomach to produce an abundance of acid. Ulcers often form due to the excessive acid production. A true cure requires the removal of the tumors through surgery, but medications are often prescribed to ease the patient’s pain.
Neglected gastrointestinal problems may result to overabundance of gastric acid and cause ulcers to develop in the stomach or esophagus. Patients often report pain as the most prevalent symptom in this condition. If left untreated, the ulcers can cause scarring which makes it hard to move food through the system. Ulcers can also cause internal bleeding leading to anemia or even more serious health problems. Infections might result as well when the ulcers manage to penetrate the stomach or intestine wall.
Patients with gastric conditions in which an excess of stomach acid is produced may benefit from drugs that are proton pump inhibitors. This class of drugs, decreases the acid output of the stomach. While the drugs may not cure the underlying cause, as with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, they can bring the patient relief from the pain.
The probability to create secondary effects is a common ground among all kinds of medications. Although Prevacid is generally safe, users should preferably consult their physician to analyze the hazards one faces upon taking the drug. Prevacid can cause a higher chance of hip, spine and wrist fractures to those over the age of 50, patients who are on the medication for longer than a year and those who are given high doses. Intestinal problems such as loose bowel movement, gas and constipation can also be experienced. Uncommon side effects can include abrupt changes in body weight, exhaustion, fluid retention and painful urination.
Mwenye Kgosi is a highly-regarded expert throughout the medical examination area. Guaranteeing that drug treatments the same as Prevacid are available to pretty much all people. If you’d like to find out how to control this condition, read more about Prevacid.