Lansoprazole and omeprazole are two commonly used medicines for acid reflux, heartburn and other acid related conditions in the UK. If you are comparing lansoprazole vs omeprazole cost, it is important to look beyond the price printed on the pack. The usual full dose used for GORD is 20mg once a day for omeprazole and 30mg once a day for lansoprazole, so the two strengths are not directly comparable by milligrams alone.
A simple price check can therefore be misleading, especially when EverydayMeds stocks lansoprazole at 15mg, which is a lower dose than the 30mg full dose listed by NICE for GORD.
For adults in the UK looking for clear information before discussing prescription treatment, this guide explains how lansoprazole and omeprazole differ, how their doses compare, when one may be preferred because of another medicine such as clopidogrel, what can affect the overall cost, and what to consider before switching between them.
Key things to know
- Lansoprazole and omeprazole are both proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They reduce stomach acid in a similar way, but they are different medicines
- They are not interchangeable milligram for milligram. NICE lists 20mg once a day as the full dose for omeprazole and 30mg once a day for lansoprazole for GORD
- A fair cost comparison should consider the strength, pack size, formulation and how the medicine is being used, rather than just the price of one pack
- Clopidogrel is an important interaction to discuss with a prescriber because omeprazole and esomeprazole should generally be avoided with clopidogrel, while lansoprazole is one of the PPIs that may be used instead
Are Omeprazole and Lansoprazole the Same Thing?
No. They belong to the same group of medicines, but they are different drugs.
Both are proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. They reduce stomach acid by blocking the acid producing system in the stomach. This is why both can be used for conditions such as heartburn, acid reflux, GORD and stomach ulcers.
They are not simply two names for the same medicine. For example, Losec is a brand of omeprazole, while lansoprazole is a different active ingredient.
What's the Actual Difference Between Lansoprazole and Omeprazole?
The main difference is the active ingredient. Both reduce stomach acid, but they are chemically different medicines.
Their usual full doses for GORD are also different. NICE lists 20mg once a day for omeprazole and 30mg once a day for lansoprazole. This does not mean that 30mg of lansoprazole is simply "stronger" than 20mg of omeprazole. The medicines have different properties, so their doses are not compared by milligrams alone.
There can also be differences in how each medicine interacts with other medicines. Clopidogrel is one of the most important examples, as omeprazole and esomeprazole are generally avoided with it because of a significant interaction.
Is Lansoprazole or Omeprazole Better?
There is not one option that is generally better for everyone. Both are established PPIs, and the right choice can depend on why you need treatment, your other medicines, your medical history and how you have responded to treatment before.
Some studies have found differences in acid suppression between individual PPIs in particular situations. However, that does not mean lansoprazole is automatically more effective than omeprazole for every person or every acid related condition.
The same applies when comparing omeprazole, esomeprazole and lansoprazole. Esomeprazole is a different form of the omeprazole molecule, but treatment choice still depends on the individual situation rather than a general ranking of these medicines.
Cost Comparison: Lansoprazole vs Omeprazole, Properly Explained
A simple side by side price comparison does not tell you the whole story. Omeprazole and lansoprazole are used at different strengths, and the price can also change depending on the formulation and pack size.
For GORD, NICE lists the following full doses:
| Product | Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Omeprazole | 20mg (standard dose) | From £12.99 |
| Lansoprazole Capsules | 15mg | From £5.99 |
| Lansoprazole Orodispersible Tablets | 15mg | From £8.49 |
| Losec MUPS Tablets | 20mg | From £29.99 |
The EverydayMeds lansoprazole prices shown above are for 15mg products. This is below the 30mg full dose listed by NICE for GORD, so it should not be treated as a direct price comparison with 20mg omeprazole.
The actual cost of treatment can also depend on whether you are prescribed a standard capsule, an orodispersible formulation or a branded product such as Losec MUPS. Pack size and the length of treatment matter too.
Omeprazole is available in some forms without a prescription from pharmacies and shops, while most forms require a prescription. Lansoprazole is prescription only in the UK.
So, if cost is important to you, look at the strength, formulation, pack size and expected treatment duration rather than choosing based only on the lowest price shown for one pack.
The Clopidogrel Interaction: A Genuine Reason to Prefer One PPI
If you take clopidogrel, the choice of PPI needs particular attention.
NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service guidance advises avoiding omeprazole and esomeprazole with clopidogrel because of a significant interaction. For people taking clopidogrel who need a PPI, lansoprazole, pantoprazole or rabeprazole may be used instead.
This does not mean you should switch medicines yourself. If you take clopidogrel and are also taking a PPI, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist before making any change.
Why PPI Prices Vary in the First Place
Several things can affect the price you see for a PPI.
Generic medicines are available from different manufacturers, while branded products can cost more. The formulation can also make a difference. For example, a standard capsule and an orodispersible tablet may have different prices even when they contain the same active ingredient.
Branded formulations such as Losec MUPS may also cost more than generic omeprazole. This does not mean that the branded medicine contains a different active ingredient. Losec contains omeprazole, although the formulation and inactive ingredients can differ.
Pack size is another factor. A larger pack may have a different overall price from a smaller pack, so comparing the price of individual packs without considering how many doses they contain can give you a misleading picture.
Side Effects: Broadly Similar, Not Identical
Lansoprazole and omeprazole have similar types of side effects because they belong to the same medicine group. Common side effects can include headache, diarrhoea, constipation, feeling sick, stomach discomfort and wind.
Most people do not experience serious side effects, but PPIs can cause more serious reactions in some people. The risk depends on the medicine, dose, duration of treatment and individual circumstances.
Long term PPI treatment may also have risks that need to be considered. NICE recommends reviewing ongoing treatment and, where appropriate, using the lowest dose needed to control symptoms.
If you need a PPI for a long time, your prescriber may review whether you still need it and whether your dose can be reduced. This does not apply in every situation, as some conditions require ongoing treatment.
If you develop an unusual or severe reaction while taking either medicine, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Getting Lansoprazole or Omeprazole Through EverydayMeds
Both medicines may be available through an online consultation with UK registered prescribers. Your symptoms, medical history and other medicines can be reviewed before a decision is made about whether treatment is appropriate and which strength may be suitable.
Pricing is shown before you order, while delivery times and any delivery charges can vary depending on the order and postcode. Check the information provided at checkout before completing your order.
Who Should Be Cautious with Either Medicine
Treatment suitability depends on your individual circumstances, including your symptoms, medical history and other medicines. The following points are general information and do not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
- Anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to omeprazole, lansoprazole or another PPI
- Anyone with significant kidney or liver problems
- Anyone with osteoporosis or other factors that may increase fracture risk, particularly if long term PPI treatment is being considered
- Anyone taking clopidogrel, because omeprazole and esomeprazole are generally avoided with clopidogrel
- Anyone taking antacids should check how to space them from lansoprazole, as NHS guidance recommends taking an antacid at least 2 hours before or after a dose of lansoprazole
- Anyone due to have an H. pylori breath test or stool test, as NICE recommends a 2 week gap after PPI treatment before testing
New symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood or dark, tarry stools should be assessed promptly rather than managed by changing between PPIs yourself.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Treatment suitability depends on an individual clinical assessment. If you have questions about your symptoms, medication or whether you should switch between lansoprazole and omeprazole, speak to your GP, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
In an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
