Dexilant (Lansoprazole) is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and possible injury of the esophagus in adults and children 1 year of age and older. Prescription lansoprazole is used to allow the esophagus to heal and prevent further damage to the esophagus in adults with GERD. Prescription lansoprazole is also used to treat ulcers (sores in the lining of the stomach or intestine), to prevent more ulcers from developing in adults whose ulcers have already healed, and to decrease the risk that adults who are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will develop ulcers Lansoprazole is also used in combination with other medications to treat and prevent stomach ulcers caused by a certain type of bacteria (H. pylori) in adults. Lansoprazole is in a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. It works by decreasing the amount of acid made in the stomach.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. If you are taking the delayed-release capsule you can take the medication with or without food. Swallow it whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and pour the contents into a tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not store the mixed medicine for later use. If Dexilant is given through an oral syringe, open the capsule and pour the medicine into a clean container with 20 milliliters of water. Use an oral syringe to draw up the water and granule mixture. Swirl the syringe gently to keep the granules from settling. Give the mixture directly into the mouth right away.

Before taking lansoprazole,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lansoprazole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lansoprazole capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients
• tell your doctor if you are taking rilpivirine (Edurant, in Complera, Odefsey)
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort. Your doctor may tell you not to take St. John's wort while taking lansoprazole
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking lansoprazole, call your doctor
• if you are 50 years of age or older, ask your doctor if it is safe for you to use prescription or nonprescription lansoprazole. The risk that you may develop a severe form of diarrhea caused by bacteria or that you may fracture your wrist, hip, or spine may be higher if you are an older adult

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• symptoms of a low magnesium blood level (such as unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, persistent muscle spasms, seizures)
• signs of lupus (such as rash on nose and cheeks, new or worsening joint pain).

This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a type of bacteria. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, fever, blood/mucus in your stool.

Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency (such as unusual weakness, sore tongue, or numbness/tingling of the hands/feet).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing
• signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Q: What special dietary instructions should I follow?

A: Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Q: What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?

A: PPIs prevent the stomach from making acid. Stomach cells contain a protein called the proton pump. Food entering the stomach tells the protein to "pump". PPIs work by blocking the proton pump in stomach cells from moving to the cells surface.

Q: What is this medicine?

A: Lanzoprazole prevents the production of acid in the stomach. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, certain bacteria in the stomach, inflammation of the esophagus, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. It can also be used to prevent and treat ulcers in patients taking medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).