Prevacid, also known as lansoprazole, belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors. Prevacid reduces production of acid in the stomach. Prevacid is prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers and Zollinger-Ellision syndrome. Use of Prevacid for a long time may cause several adverse effects.
Liver Failure
According to Drugs.com, Prevacid is metabolized in the liver. The liver breaks down Prevacid into by products that can be easily excreted from the body. Long-term exposure of the liver to high levels of Prevacid damages liver cells and leads to liver failure. Signs and symptoms of liver failure include right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, enlargement of the liver, clay-colored stool, dark urine, itching, easy bleeding and bruising and yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Esophagus Candidiasis
Drrugs.com states that use of Prevacid for a long-time may cause a condition known as esophagus candidiasis, which is the growth of fungus in the esophagus. Stomach acid kills fungus and suppression of stomach acid for a longtime may create a favorable environment for the growth of fungus. Esophageal candidiasis causes painful white patches in the esophagus that may cause patients to have problems swallowing food. Esophageal candidiasis is treated using antifungal drugs.
Bone Fractures
According to the Food and Drug Administration website, use of high doses of Prevacid for a longtime may cause bone fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. The risk of bone fractures is increased in patients with existing osteoporosis and in patients over 50 years of age who take high doses of Prevacid. The FDA recommends that doctors prescribe lower doses of Prevacid for a shorter duration in order to prevent bone fractures.
