Lansoprazole 15mg - 28 Capsules

• Contains 15mg of lansoprazole per gastro-resistant capsule
• Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for acid-related conditions
• Prescription-only medicine supplied following a clinical assessment

Lansoprazole 15mg: What You Need to Know

That burning feeling behind your breastbone, acid coming back into your throat, or heartburn that keeps returning can become difficult to ignore. If you have been looking into lansoprazole, you may already have tried changing what you eat or using occasional remedies and want to understand what a longer-acting acid reflux medicine does.

Lansoprazole 15mg is a proton pump inhibitor, usually shortened to PPI. It reduces the amount of acid produced by your stomach and is used for several acid-related conditions, including symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Lansoprazole 15mg capsules may be prescribed for adults when a clinician considers treatment appropriate. The 15mg strength is one of the doses used for symptomatic GORD and for some longer-term prevention of reflux oesophagitis. Other conditions can require a different strength or treatment schedule, so the dose should be based on your clinical assessment rather than the strength available on a product page.

If you are considering lansoprazole 15mg UK treatment through an online pharmacy, you will first need to provide information about your symptoms, medical history and current medicines. A UK-registered prescriber can then decide whether this medicine is appropriate for you.

Completing an online consultation does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. If your symptoms suggest that another form of assessment is needed, you may instead be advised to speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.

What Is Lansoprazole 15mg - 28 Capsules?

Lansoprazole is the active ingredient in these capsules. It belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors.

PPIs reduce the production of stomach acid. Lansoprazole is available in several strengths and formulations in the UK, including 15mg and 30mg gastro-resistant capsules and other formulations such as orodispersible tablets. The product described on this page contains 15mg of lansoprazole in each gastro-resistant capsule.

The term "gastro-resistant" means the capsule contains medicine designed to pass through the stomach before the active ingredient is released. This helps protect the medicine from being broken down by stomach acid.

Lansoprazole is licensed for several adult uses. These include symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, reflux oesophagitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, prevention of reflux oesophagitis in appropriate patients, and certain ulcer-related uses alongside other medicines. It is also used as part of some treatment combinations for Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria associated with certain stomach and duodenal ulcers.

The 15mg dose is not suitable for every condition listed in the product information. For example, some ulcer treatments and H. pylori eradication regimens use 30mg doses and may involve other medicines. Your prescriber will select the appropriate treatment based on why you need lansoprazole.

For acid reflux, lansoprazole may be prescribed when reducing stomach acid is considered appropriate for controlling symptoms or treating acid-related damage.

How Does Lansoprazole 15mg Work?

Your stomach naturally produces acid to help digest food. This acid is useful in the stomach, but if stomach contents repeatedly move upwards into the oesophagus, the acid can irritate the lining and cause symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.

Lansoprazole works inside specialised cells in the stomach called parietal cells. These cells contain an enzyme known as the H+/K+ ATPase, sometimes called the proton pump. This pump is involved in the final stage of stomach acid production.

Lansoprazole blocks this proton pump, reducing the amount of acid released into the stomach. Because there is less acid available, there is less acid to irritate the oesophagus when reflux occurs.

This is different from an antacid, which works by neutralising acid that is already present. Lansoprazole reduces acid production itself, so it is used as part of treatment for conditions where reducing acid production is clinically appropriate.

The effect is not necessarily the same as taking a medicine that provides immediate neutralisation of acid. Lansoprazole is intended to reduce acid production over the course of treatment. If you are wondering how long does lansoprazole take to work, the answer can vary according to the condition being treated and the individual. The licensed product information states that relief of symptoms in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is obtained rapidly, while NHS guidance explains that it is important to take lansoprazole correctly for it to work effectively.

Clinical Information at a Glance

Active ingredient: Lansoprazole

Medicine class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI)

Strength: 15mg per gastro-resistant capsule

Form: Gastro-resistant capsule

Licensed adult uses include: Symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, reflux oesophagitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, prevention of reflux oesophagitis and certain acid-related conditions. Lansoprazole is also used with appropriate antibiotics in some H. pylori eradication regimens.

Usual timing: Lansoprazole should be taken at least 30 minutes before food.

Prescription status: Prescription-only medicine.

The appropriate strength and duration depend on the condition being treated. A 15mg capsule should not be assumed to be the right dose simply because it is the strength available on this page.

Lansoprazole 15mg Compared With Other Treatments

Lansoprazole is one of several medicines used for acid-related symptoms. The most appropriate option depends on the cause and frequency of your symptoms, other health conditions, medicines you take and whether there is evidence of damage to the oesophagus.

Antacids and alginates work differently from lansoprazole. Antacids neutralise existing stomach acid, while alginates form a protective layer that can help reduce reflux. PPIs such as lansoprazole reduce the production of stomach acid.

Another PPI, such as omeprazole, also reduces stomach acid by acting on the proton pump. The choice between medicines may depend on the clinical situation, previous treatment, other medicines and individual circumstances.

The table is intended to show how these treatments differ rather than to identify one as better than another. Your pharmacist or prescriber can help you understand which option is appropriate for your symptoms.

Lansoprazole Compared With Other Acid-Reflux Medicines

Lansoprazole belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Other PPIs, such as omeprazole, work in a similar way by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Famotidine works differently because it is an H2-receptor antagonist, which reduces acid production through a different pathway.

The choice between these medicines depends on the condition being treated, previous treatment, other medicines you take and how well your symptoms respond. A medicine that is suitable for one person may not be appropriate for another.

Lansoprazole is used for several acid-related conditions, including symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), reflux oesophagitis and some stomach and duodenal ulcers. It can also form part of treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), alongside appropriate antibiotics. The dose is different for some of these conditions, so 15mg should not be assumed to be the right dose for every situation.

Your Lansoprazole Treatment Journey

Before lansoprazole 15mg is supplied, your symptoms and medical history should be assessed. This is particularly important if your symptoms are new, persistent or changing, because heartburn and indigestion can have several possible causes.

If lansoprazole is considered appropriate, you will be given instructions on how to take it and how long to use it. For symptomatic GORD, the UK product information lists 15mg or 30mg once daily, with the dose adjusted according to individual circumstances. If symptoms have not improved after four weeks of treatment with 30mg daily, further investigation is recommended rather than simply continuing to increase the dose.

For a once-daily regimen, lansoprazole is generally taken in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating. Food can reduce how much lansoprazole is absorbed, so taking it before a meal helps the medicine work as intended. Swallow the capsule whole with water or another suitable liquid. Do not crush or chew the gastro-resistant granules.

Starting treatment

Take lansoprazole exactly as directed by your prescriber. Do not increase the dose yourself if symptoms continue. If your symptoms are not improving, speak to a healthcare professional so the cause can be reviewed.

During treatment

Try to take your dose at around the same time each day. Alongside treatment, simple changes may help reduce reflux symptoms. Some people find that rich, spicy or fatty foods, acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol or large meals make symptoms worse. Avoiding food for around three hours before going to bed can also help people who experience reflux at night.

Reviewing treatment

The length of treatment depends on why lansoprazole has been prescribed. Some conditions need a short course, while others may require longer-term treatment or prevention of symptoms returning. If you have been taking a PPI for a long time, your treatment should be reviewed periodically to make sure continued use is appropriate.

How to Take Lansoprazole 15mg

For a once-daily prescription, lansoprazole is usually taken at least 30 minutes before a meal, commonly before breakfast. Follow the directions on your prescription because the timing can differ when lansoprazole is being used as part of a twice-daily treatment regimen.

Swallow the capsule whole. If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, speak to a pharmacist or prescriber before altering the way you take it. Some lansoprazole capsules can be opened and their granules mixed with certain foods or liquids, but the granules must not be crushed or chewed because they are designed to protect the medicine from stomach acid.

If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Antacids may affect how lansoprazole works, so they should generally be taken at least two hours before or after lansoprazole. If you regularly use antacids or other medicines for indigestion, mention this during your consultation.

What to Know Before Taking Lansoprazole

Lansoprazole is not suitable for everyone. Before starting treatment, tell your prescriber about any medical conditions you have and all the medicines you currently take.

Your prescriber may need to take particular care if you have liver problems, have previously had an allergic reaction to lansoprazole or another proton pump inhibitor, or are taking medicines that can interact with lansoprazole.

You should also mention if you have had stomach or intestinal problems in the past, particularly if your symptoms are new, persistent or different from your usual indigestion.

Medicines that may interact with lansoprazole

Lansoprazole can interact with some medicines. These include certain medicines used for HIV, blood clots, infections, epilepsy and cancer.

Tell your prescriber if you take medicines such as warfarin, clopidogrel, methotrexate, digoxin, tacrolimus or certain antifungal medicines. This does not necessarily mean that you cannot take lansoprazole. Your prescriber can check whether the medicines are suitable to use together and whether any changes are needed.

Remember to mention medicines you buy yourself, including antacids, painkillers, vitamins and herbal products.

Possible Side Effects of Lansoprazole

Like all medicines, lansoprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects can include headache, feeling sick, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain and wind. These effects may be mild, but speak to a pharmacist or prescriber if they are persistent, troublesome or getting worse.

When should I seek medical advice?

Some symptoms need prompt medical attention. Contact a healthcare professional if you develop severe or persistent diarrhoea, particularly if you also have a fever or significant abdominal pain.

Seek urgent help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or a severe skin reaction.

If you are taking lansoprazole for a long time, your healthcare professional may periodically review your treatment. Long-term PPI treatment can be associated with certain risks, so it is useful to check from time to time that continued treatment is still appropriate.

Lansoprazole and Mounjaro

If you take Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and experience heartburn, indigestion or reflux, tell your prescriber. Mounjaro can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, indigestion and stomach discomfort in some people.

Lansoprazole and Mounjaro are different medicines and may be prescribed together when appropriate. However, your healthcare professional should consider your full medication history and the reason each medicine is being used.

Do not start lansoprazole simply to treat new symptoms without discussing them with a healthcare professional, particularly if your symptoms started after beginning or changing another medicine.

Lansoprazole During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Heartburn is common during pregnancy, but the most appropriate treatment depends on your circumstances. Your doctor, midwife or pharmacist can advise you about suitable options.

If you are breastfeeding, ask a healthcare professional before taking lansoprazole. They can consider your need for treatment and the available information about using the medicine while breastfeeding.

How Long Does Lansoprazole Take to Work?

Lansoprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces, but it is not the same as an antacid that neutralises acid already present in your stomach.

Some people notice an improvement in their symptoms relatively quickly, while others may need several days of treatment before they feel the full benefit.

Take lansoprazole as prescribed, even if you do not notice an immediate change. If your symptoms are not improving or are becoming worse, speak to your prescriber rather than increasing the dose yourself.

What If Lansoprazole Does Not Help?

If your symptoms continue despite taking lansoprazole correctly, there may be another reason for them.

Your symptoms could be caused by something other than acid reflux, or the treatment may need to be reviewed. Your prescriber may check how you are taking the medicine, consider other medicines you use and decide whether further investigation is needed.

Persistent symptoms should not simply be managed by taking more lansoprazole. If treatment is not working as expected, speak to a healthcare professional.

Stopping Lansoprazole

How you stop lansoprazole depends on why you were taking it and how long you have been using it.

If you have been taking a proton pump inhibitor for a longer period, stopping it can sometimes lead to a temporary increase in acid-related symptoms. This is known as rebound acid secretion.

Do not stop long-term treatment or change your dose without speaking to your prescriber. They can advise whether you should stop treatment, reduce the dose gradually or continue using it.

Lansoprazole and Lifestyle Changes

Medicine is only one part of managing acid reflux. Some everyday habits may also affect how often you experience symptoms.

Watch your meal size

Large meals can put extra pressure on the stomach and may make reflux more likely. Smaller meals may be easier to manage if you often feel overly full after eating.

Notice your personal triggers

Some people find that spicy or fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes or acidic foods make their symptoms worse. However, triggers vary from person to person.

There is no need to remove every food that appears on a general reflux list if it does not cause you problems. Instead, pay attention to your own symptoms and discuss persistent problems with a healthcare professional.

Give yourself time before going to bed

Try to avoid eating shortly before lying down. Leaving around three hours between your evening meal and bedtime may help reduce nighttime reflux.

If you regularly wake with heartburn or acid coming into your throat, speak to your healthcare professional. They may suggest additional changes to your sleeping position or treatment.

When Should You Speak to a GP About Acid Reflux?

Occasional heartburn is common, but ongoing symptoms should not always be assumed to be simple acid reflux.

Speak to your GP or another healthcare professional if your symptoms keep returning, do not improve with treatment or are affecting your sleep and everyday life.

You should also seek medical advice if you have:

• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Food feeling stuck when you swallow
• Unexplained weight loss
• Repeated vomiting
• Vomiting blood
• Black or tar-like stools
• Persistent or worsening stomach pain
• Chest pain that is new, severe or unusual for you

Sudden or severe chest pain, especially if it occurs with breathlessness, sweating, dizziness or pain spreading to your arm, jaw, neck or back, needs urgent medical attention.

Key Points About Lansoprazole 15mg

Lansoprazole 15mg is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid produced by your stomach. It is used for several acid-related conditions, including symptomatic GORD and certain cases of reflux oesophagitis.

The 15mg strength is not suitable for every condition. Some conditions require a higher dose or a combination of lansoprazole with other medicines, so your treatment should always follow the instructions given by your prescriber.

For a once-daily treatment, lansoprazole is generally taken at least 30 minutes before food and the gastro-resistant capsule should be taken as directed.

If you are considering lansoprazole through an online pharmacy, you will need to complete a clinical assessment. A UK-registered prescriber will review your information and decide whether the medicine is appropriate before a prescription is issued.