Duration of treatment w/OTC meds - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

Sleestak · 12-13-2005, 06:30 AM

I've had wicked heartburn for years, but I've never been diagnosed w/GERD or anything else.... I've always used OTC meds. For a long time I was using Pepcid (or generic) then when it wasn't doing the trick completely anymore I switched to Prilosec OTC. I've been using this for several months now, and finally noticed it says only to use 14 days within like a 3 or 4 month period.... (So why the heck do they sell 3x 14 day packs???)

Why do they say only 14 days in a 3 or 4 month period? Is it because of some negative side effect? Or is it that they don't want to be liable if you do have a more serious problem?

BTW: I have my annual physical the 1st week of January, and I'll take this up with my internist then... I just want some reassurance that I can keep taking the Prilosec OTC without it making me grow 3 new elbows or something.

Thanks

S

aswander · 12-14-2005, 08:37 PM

I have laryngeal reflux (LPR), and my doctors have all told me I'll be on Nexium 2x a day for life, unless I eventually have surgery. But they told me they think it's better to stick with the drugs for another 5 to 10 years until the surgery is perfected. If I don't take the drugs, they assured me I will develop esophageal cancer. I think I'll take the drugs.

wakkochic17 · 12-20-2005, 05:34 PM

it's safe.. they give a timeline so that the meds aren't covering up symptoms of something larger.. but since you are going to the doc, I wouldn't worry about staying on it for awhile. I know people who take it daily. I've been on Prevacid for 3 years straight now.

warrenpoint · 12-20-2005, 10:14 PM

I had heartburn for over 6 months and I found that RAW apple cider vinegar in water cured my heartburn. If I get it any time or a sign of it, I take some vinegar the RAW kind. Please go to GERD and look for "There is a cure for heartburn" and you will see some of the posts there including mine. Good luck and please try this method. It is cheaper and safer than meds.
Good luck and best wishes.

It is a few pages back, I think may be page 3.

Sleestak · 01-06-2006, 11:31 PM

Just a quick followup...

I haven't tried the Raw Apple Cider Vinegar yet but I plan to. I spoke w/my internist about using the Prilosec OTC for longer durations, and he kind of pooh-pooh'ed the 14 day limit posted on the packages, saying its to protect the maker from liability if you have a more serious problem and don't get it diagnosed.

S