Lansoprazole 15mg Orodispersible Tablets - 28 Tablets

• Prescription-only medicine containing 15mg lansoprazole per tablet
• Orodispersible tablet that dissolves in the mouth
• Used for conditions including heartburn, acid reflux and GORD, depending on the prescribed dose

Lansoprazole 15mg Orodispersible Tablets: What You Need to Know

That burning feeling after a meal, a sour taste in your mouth or acid coming back into your throat can be more than an occasional nuisance. If these symptoms keep returning, you may have been looking at lansoprazole for acid reflux or wondering whether it could help with heartburn.

Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It reduces the amount of acid made by the stomach and is used to treat several acid-related conditions, including heartburn, acid reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It is also used for some stomach and duodenal ulcers and other conditions where reducing stomach acid is needed.

This product contains 15mg of lansoprazole in an orodispersible tablet. Unlike a standard capsule, the tablet is designed to dissolve in the mouth. It releases small medicine-containing granules, which should be swallowed without chewing.

Lansoprazole is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. The fact that you are looking for lansoprazole 15mg tablets UK does not mean that this strength will be suitable for your symptoms. Your prescriber needs to consider why you need treatment, your medical history, other medicines and the dose that is appropriate for you.

An online consultation provides an opportunity to check these points before treatment is supplied. Completing a consultation does not automatically mean that a prescription will be issued.

What Is Lansoprazole 15mg Orodispersible Tablets?

The active ingredient is lansoprazole, which belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors. Each tablet contains 15mg of lansoprazole.

The medicine is licensed for several acid-related conditions. These include symptomatic GORD, reflux oesophagitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and prevention of some ulcers in people who need continued non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It can also be prescribed with suitable antibiotics to help eradicate H. pylori bacteria.

For heartburn and acid regurgitation, the licensed product information allows a dose of 15mg or 30mg once a day for adults. Reflux oesophagitis is normally treated with a different regimen, so 15mg should not be assumed to be the correct dose for every acid-related condition. Your prescriber will decide which dose is appropriate.

The orodispersible form can be useful for people who have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets or capsules. To take it, place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. The small granules released from the tablet should be swallowed without chewing.

How Does Lansoprazole 15mg Work?

Your stomach naturally produces acid to help digest food. It is useful for digestion, but too much acid or acid repeatedly moving into the oesophagus can contribute to symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux.

Lansoprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces. It does this by blocking an enzyme called the H+/K+ ATPase, sometimes described as the stomach's proton pump. This enzyme is involved in the final stage of stomach acid production.

By reducing acid production, lansoprazole can help reduce acid-related symptoms and give irritation in the oesophagus time to settle when reflux has caused inflammation. It works differently from an antacid, which neutralises acid already present in the stomach.

Clinical Information at a Glance

Active ingredient: Lansoprazole 15mg.

Medicine class: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Form: Orodispersible tablet designed to dissolve in the mouth.

Uses: Depending on the prescribed dose, lansoprazole is used for symptomatic GORD, reflux oesophagitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, prevention of some NSAID-associated ulcers, H. pylori eradication alongside antibiotics, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Prescription status: Lansoprazole is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

For acid reflux symptoms, NHS guidance states that lansoprazole usually starts to improve symptoms within 2 to 3 days, although it can take up to four weeks to fully control acid-related symptoms.

Lansoprazole 15mg Orodispersible Tablets Compared With Other Treatments

Lansoprazole is one of several medicines used to reduce stomach acid. Other proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, work in a similar way. Famotidine belongs to a different group called H2-receptor antagonists and reduces acid production through a different mechanism. NHS guidance lists both lansoprazole and omeprazole as PPIs used for acid reflux, while an H2-receptor antagonist such as famotidine may be considered when a PPI is not suitable or has not helped.

The main difference between lansoprazole capsules and lansoprazole orodispersible tablets is the way the medicine is taken. The orodispersible tablet melts in the mouth, which can be useful for people who have difficulty swallowing conventional capsules or tablets. Some NHS prescribing guidance specifically lists lansoprazole orodispersible tablets for people with swallowing difficulties or when an oral tablet needs to be given through certain feeding tubes.

Lansoprazole 15mg, omeprazole and famotidine should not be treated as interchangeable products. The appropriate medicine depends on the reason for treatment, other medicines, medical history and how symptoms respond.

For price, the current cost should be checked against the product listing and prescription supplied rather than relying on a general comparison, as prices can change.

Your Treatment Journey

Starting treatment

Before lansoprazole is prescribed, your symptoms and medical history should be considered. Persistent heartburn or reflux can have different causes, so treatment should not be based on symptoms alone.

Your prescriber may also need to know about other medicines you take, previous stomach or oesophageal problems, and whether you have symptoms that need further investigation.

If lansoprazole is appropriate, you will be given instructions on the dose and length of treatment. Completing an online consultation does not guarantee that the medicine will be prescribed.

Choosing a dose

The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated. For indigestion, acid reflux and some stomach ulcers, the usual adult dose is 15mg to 30mg once a day. Other conditions can require different doses and treatment schedules.

This means that having a 15mg product does not automatically mean that 15mg is the right dose for every person with heartburn or GORD. Your prescriber will decide whether this strength and formulation are appropriate.

Reviewing treatment

Treatment may last for several weeks or longer, depending on the condition. NHS guidance notes that some people need lansoprazole for only a short period, while others may need longer-term treatment. If symptoms do not improve, return or become worse, your treatment may need to be reviewed rather than simply continued without assessment.

Changing treatment

If lansoprazole is not providing enough relief, your prescriber may review the diagnosis, dose or treatment approach. They may consider another acid-reducing medicine or further investigation, depending on your symptoms.

Do not increase your dose, switch medicines or stop long-term treatment without professional advice.

How Lansoprazole 15mg Orodispersible Tablets Fit Into Treatment

Lansoprazole is intended to reduce the amount of stomach acid contributing to acid-related symptoms. For people with GORD or recurrent heartburn, reducing acid can help relieve symptoms and, where reflux has caused inflammation, support healing.

It is not a treatment for every type of chest, stomach or digestive discomfort. Symptoms that continue despite treatment may need further assessment to establish what is causing them.

Individual responses can vary. Some people notice an improvement within a few days, while complete control of symptoms can take longer. NHS guidance states that lansoprazole can take up to four weeks to fully control acid-related symptoms.

If your symptoms are not improving or keep returning after treatment, speak to a GP, prescriber or pharmacist. Further assessment may be needed rather than simply taking more medicine.

Why Lifestyle and Other Factors May Still Matter

Diet and eating habits

You do not usually need to follow a special diet while taking lansoprazole. However, some foods can make reflux symptoms worse. Rich, spicy or fatty foods, acidic foods and fizzy drinks can be triggers for some people.

Caffeine and alcohol

Caffeinated drinks and alcohol can make reflux symptoms worse for some people. Cutting down may help if you notice a clear connection between these drinks and your symptoms.

Eating before bed

If reflux is worse at night, try to avoid eating for at least three hours before going to bed. Keeping your head and shoulders raised during sleep may also help reduce acid coming back into the oesophagus.

Smoking

Smoking can contribute to reflux symptoms. If you smoke, stopping can have benefits for your general health as well as potentially reducing reflux symptoms.

Other medicines and health conditions

Tell your prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins and supplements you take. Lansoprazole can interact with some medicines, including certain HIV medicines, methotrexate, warfarin, digoxin, tacrolimus and some antifungal medicines. St John's wort can also affect how lansoprazole works.

What to Know Before Taking Lansoprazole

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

This is particularly important if you have liver problems, have previously had an allergic reaction to lansoprazole or another proton pump inhibitor, or are taking medicines that may interact with it.

You should also mention any stomach or digestive problems you have had in the past, especially if your current symptoms are new, persistent or different from your usual heartburn.

Medicines that may interact with lansoprazole

Lansoprazole can affect how some medicines work, while some medicines can affect lansoprazole.

Medicines that may need particular consideration include warfarin, clopidogrel, methotrexate, digoxin, tacrolimus, certain medicines used for HIV, some antifungal medicines and St John's wort.

This does not necessarily mean that you cannot take lansoprazole with these medicines. Your prescriber can check your medication list and decide whether any changes or additional monitoring are needed.

Remember to include medicines you buy without a prescription, including antacids, painkillers, vitamins and herbal remedies.

How to Take Lansoprazole 15mg Orodispersible Tablets

Follow the instructions given by your prescriber and check the directions on your medicine packaging.

For many conditions, lansoprazole is taken once a day, usually at least 30 minutes before food. Taking it before a meal helps the medicine work as intended.

The orodispersible tablet is designed to dissolve in your mouth. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. The small granules released from the tablet should then be swallowed without chewing.

Do not crush or chew the granules. They are designed to protect the medicine from stomach acid.

If your prescription tells you to take lansoprazole more than once a day, follow the specific timing provided by your prescriber.

What if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose.

If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

If you are unsure what to do, check the patient information leaflet or speak to a pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects of Lansoprazole

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

Some of the more common side effects include headache, feeling sick, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain and wind.

These effects may be mild and temporary. If a side effect is persistent, troublesome or getting worse, speak to your pharmacist or prescriber.

When should I seek medical help?

Some symptoms need more urgent attention.

Seek medical advice if you develop severe or persistent diarrhoea, particularly if you also have a fever or significant abdominal pain.

Get urgent medical help if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the 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 review your treatment periodically. Long-term use of PPIs can be associated with certain risks, so your need for continued treatment should be checked when appropriate.

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 and acid reflux are common during pregnancy, but not every medicine is suitable for use during pregnancy. Your doctor, midwife or pharmacist can advise you about the options that are appropriate for you.

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

Lansoprazole and Mounjaro

If you take Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and develop heartburn, indigestion or reflux, tell your prescriber.

Mounjaro can cause digestive side effects such as nausea, indigestion, stomach discomfort and delayed stomach emptying in some people. If your reflux symptoms started or became worse after beginning Mounjaro, this is useful information for your healthcare professional.

Lansoprazole and Mounjaro may be used together when appropriate, but your prescriber should consider your full medication history and the reason each medicine is being used.

Do not start lansoprazole or change your treatment simply because you are taking Mounjaro. If your symptoms are new or persistent, they should be assessed properly.

How Long Does Lansoprazole Take to Work?

Lansoprazole does not work in exactly the same way as an antacid. Rather than neutralising acid that is already in your stomach, it reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Some people begin to notice an improvement within a few days. NHS guidance states that lansoprazole usually starts to improve symptoms within two to three days, although it can take up to four weeks to fully control acid-related symptoms.

If you have been taking lansoprazole as prescribed and your symptoms are not improving, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist. Do not simply take more tablets because you are still experiencing symptoms.

What If Lansoprazole Does Not Help?

If your symptoms continue despite treatment, there may be another reason for them.

Heartburn and indigestion can have several possible causes, and not every type of chest or stomach discomfort is caused by excess acid. Your prescriber may review your symptoms, check how you are taking the medicine and consider whether another treatment or further investigation is needed.

If your symptoms return frequently, become worse or continue despite treatment, speak to a healthcare professional rather than increasing your dose yourself.

Stopping Lansoprazole

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

If you have taken a PPI for a longer period, stopping it can sometimes cause 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 it gradually or continue using it.

When Should You Speak to a GP About Acid Reflux?

Occasional heartburn is common, but persistent or changing symptoms should not always be assumed to be acid reflux.

Speak to your GP, prescriber 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 swallowing
• 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 when 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 Orodispersible Tablets

Lansoprazole 15mg orodispersible tablets contain a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid produced by your stomach.

The orodispersible formulation dissolves in the mouth and releases small medicine-containing granules that should be swallowed without chewing. This can be useful for people who find conventional tablets or capsules difficult to swallow.

Lansoprazole can be used for several acid-related conditions, but the 15mg strength is not automatically suitable for every condition. Some treatments require a different dose or a combination with other medicines.

For many once-daily treatment plans, lansoprazole is taken at least 30 minutes before food. Always follow the instructions given by your prescriber.

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.