Novartis receives approval from FDA to market Prevacid(R) 24HR as first and only OTC proton pump inhibitor in original prescription formulation. Novartis announced today that Prevacid® 24HR (lansoprazole delayed-release capsules 15 mg) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first over-the-counter (OTC) Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of frequent heartburn since 2003. Prevacid 24HR is expected to be available over-the-counter in 2009. To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/prevacid/38457/ By multivu Tags : 24hr , 38457 , approved , fda , frequent , heartburn , lansoprazole , multivu , novartis , otc , ppi , prevacid , treatment