kapidex...same as prevacid? - Acid Reflux / GERD Message Board

ksc1968 · 07-01-2009, 01:43 PM

Ive been taking prevacid for years..recently I was upped to twice a day and since then it has not been working as well... have had twice as many attacks.
Today my dr and I discussed changing ppi's and he pushed kapidex (makers of prevacid) on me....he insisted I try it...he said it only comes in 60mg, but thats not true, it also comes in 30. Anyways, Kapidex is prevacid with a dual relayed release...so why would he want me basically take a drug that is currently failing me? Am I being paranoid that dr's push the newest drugs...I find it interesting that Prevacid goes over the counter as "prevacid 24 hour" in November..
I dont want to keep paying 60 a month for my copay and not to mention the fights with my insurance to get a drug!!!
why do dr's push the new drugs? I asked him about Aciphex as their patent expires in 2009 and he said its a good drug, but didnt give me it..
I forgot to mention that he said that Kapidex is a mix of prevacid and another medication...that is is much better, and is different, and may work great even though prevacid has stopped. He also said if it doesnt work we will go on a full out medicine trial to find the best for me.
Any thoughts?
Mountain reader..I sent you a message about this

MountainReader · 07-01-2009, 07:41 PM

Kapidex is the exact same active ingredient as Prevacid. What makes it different is the delivery system. Kapidex is the first dual-delay release PPI. It has 2 kinds of enteric-coated granuals that release at about 2 hours and again at 4-5 hours after taking it. It also doesn't need to be taken within that 30 minute period before eating as the others do.

I haven't heard of there being another medication in there. My doc and Pharmacist both just told me about the lansoprazole.

It is my theory that they mostly made this so they could continue to make money off of the medication with the Prevacid going OTC.

They have a good coupon on their website if anyone is taking it. Up to $55 per month instant rebate until next year.

ksc1968 · 07-01-2009, 08:11 PM

Thats my concern..why would they give me a expensive version of the same med thats going generic, and its losing its effectiveness. My dr said to "try it". Can someone explain what benefit he gets by pushing a new med? I thought it was illegal for the drug companies to even give out pens anymore! Sorry, I am naive here, I just dont know what the drs get in exchange for pushing a med. Anyways, I guess it cant hurt to try it, I have 20 free samples. Hey, maybe the delivery system may help? We'll see!

Beeb · 07-02-2009, 12:06 PM

Yea, i think i would want something other then Prevacid and its derivatives, it is like the Prilosec vs. Nexium situation. But he gave you free samples to try, sounds like a cheap experiment. If they work, then you may be up for a more expensive drug bill each month, if not, try prilosec OTC. Good luck with the Kapidex. PS. Have you tried gaviscon tablets with the pain? You can even try a prilosec in the morning and a Pepcid Complete at night or 2 prilosecs instead of 2 prevacids.

PS> the doctor gets nothing for choosing a med for a patient. i would trust him and expect he is deciding what is best for you. If you dont trust him, find a new Doc.

Zoe26 · 07-03-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainReader

Kapidex is the exact same active ingredient as Prevacid. What makes it different is the delivery system. Kapidex is the first dual-delay release PPI. It has 2 kinds of enteric-coated granuals that release at about 2 hours and again at 4-5 hours after taking it. It also doesn't need to be taken within that 30 minute period before eating as the others do.

I haven't heard of there being another medication in there. My doc and Pharmacist both just told me about the lansoprazole.

It is my theory that they mostly made this so they could continue to make money off of the medication with the Prevacid going OTC.

They have a good coupon on their website if anyone is taking it. Up to $55 per month instant rebate until next year.

If you don't have to wait 30 min, then how long is recommended? I'm curious cause I'm on Kapidex and my doctor did say to have it 30 minutes before meals.