Medication Question - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

Madalot · 03-26-2008, 06:21 AM

Hi -- I'm new to this board, but have had acid reflux for years. I was put on Prilosec years ago and when that didn't seem to be working after many years, was switched to Nexium. Nexium was working beautifully and I had no problem with it, other than it's cost. Because of insurance changes and such, I found that the Nexium was costing me way too much and causing me problems with my prescription plan. So I asked my doctor about putting me on a generic and he switched me to omeprazole. I've been on that about three days and I can already tell it's not working anywhere near as well as the Nexium did. Despite eating fairly lightly for dinner and having nothing afterwards, I woke up at Midnight with that all too familiar near vomiting and horrendous heartburn. I ended up sleeping sitting up.

I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and if they supplemented their generic with something over the counter? If so, what did you try and did it help?

I know that when the Prilosec wasn't as effective for me, my doctor told me to take Zantac (in addition to the Prilosec). But that was a long time ago and I was just wondering about other experiences.

Thanks in advance.

Kathy

Red60 · 03-28-2008, 03:53 PM

What dosage of omeprazole are you using. My doctor told me that omeprazole needed to be taken twice per day because it only lasted about 12 hours. I'm not suprised that its not working any better than the prilosec I think it is the generic form of Prilosec.

Madalot · 03-29-2008, 06:08 AM

I'm taking 20mg of omeprazole and I'm not surprised either that it isn't working. I take all my medications at night so it should have held me until morning, but it didn't.

It really upsets me that Nexium is so expensive that I can't afford it anymore, even with insurance. I had been on Nexium for a very long time and did not have any problems. Unfortunately, insurance changes and issues make Nexium not an option anymore financially.

I contacted my doctor who told me I could take Pepcid to supplement the omeprazole. He said just to take one in the morning and one at night. It's not an ideal solution, but I am going to try it since I can get the same formulation of Pepcid at a warehouse club for a lot less money.

Edited to add:

It's been a few days and my medication combination seems to be helping now. After using the Pepcid (warehouse brand) in combination with omeprazole for two days, I was able to sleep laying down last night rather than propping myself up on pillows.

I purchased a warehouse brand of Pepcid and got 170 tablets for $9.35. That's about a 5 1/2 month supply. The omeprazole costs me $8 for a 3 month supply. I was paying $150 for a 3 month supply of Nexium.

Like I said, it's not ideal and it bugs me because the Nexium was so effective, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. And as you can see, the cost savings are substantial.