Whats the best PPI drug on the market? - Digestive Disorders Message Board

farscape66 · 12-19-2002, 09:34 AM

I take Protonix but find it has a number of nasty side effects, like admonimal cramps, stomach pain, diareah, etc. I asked the dr to switch me to something else, he refused. He said they were all the same, with very similar side effects. Is he right?

Shanny · 12-19-2002, 03:33 PM

Well its kinda like deciding which side effects you are willing ot deal with. I am currently taking a GERD and Ulcer medicine that works well called Nizatidine that works well and no side effects that i have noticed. My mom likes Prevacid but the insurance won't cover it so she has to take Prilosec which makes her really drowsy so i dunno you shuld keep pressing your doctor, there is something for everyone and if you are unhappy with it i would try to get something else.

Canyonbabe · 12-20-2002, 12:29 AM

I have found Nexium to be most effective with no side effects. I had to stop Protonix because I was itching all over and it was not helping at all. I also take Maalox extra strength one hour after eating. I have Barrett's esophagus so really need to get this under control. It seems worse than ever since my Endoscopy. Didn't even know I had reflux till then now I know I have it cause it burns. My Dr. said it would take time. He and my regular Dr. said the meds are all the same. Not true. Differnt formulations an we are all different. So if they are same why won't he give you a prescription for one of the others to try?

farscape66 · 12-20-2002, 01:40 AM

My only thought is that Kaiser HMO only carries certain ones in there pharmacy. He said they dont carry Prilosec or Nexium. I guess If I insisted on a peescription and payed for it at another pharmacy myself they would do it. Maybe Ill try that.

Canyonbabe · 12-27-2002, 08:23 PM

Kaiser only prescribes Protonix now. All my friends that were on Prilosec were switched to Protonix. Nexium is very expensive as is Protonix and Prevacid.They all run about $3.00 a pill or more in the US. I got my Protonix from Canada and paid half what it would be here. Now I wish I had gotten Nexium as it was the same price and I can't use the Protonix without itching so am sort of alternating. Nothing much is helping anyway.