Help...Frustrated with GI doc and change in medications

[gaugreg1x]

Is this an insurance issue ? I have been on both Nexium, and Prevacid (presently on Prevacid 2x daily like you were ). For me, Prevacid is far more effective . I was temporarily switched to Nexium for 6 months (insurance) a while back, and it was far inferior in controlling my symptoms. I went back to the Prevacid, and pay the higher copayment gladly. It should not take months for any PPI to take effect. I would call the GI doc's office and tell them of your difficulities and ask top switch back.
Greg

Originally Posted by MountainReader

I have reflux. I've had if for years. Two years ago, I had asthma that was out of control and they changed my reflux medication to help get the asthma under control because the acid was causing it to flare up. I have been on Prevacid 2x/day since then. I have felt my acid was 'under control' during this time, because I wasn't feeling the acid symptoms. For me, I have never had the heartburnsymptom.
I had an appt with a GI specialist last Friday. He switched me from the Prevacid, which I didn't feel any acid symptoms using, to Nexium. I am now on day 6 with the Nexium. On day 2 I started getting major heartburn, nausea, and a lot of belching. This has continued through today. I have even added Gaviscon per the doctor's advice.

[MountainReader]

Actually, the Nexium isn't covered by my insurance. The Prevacid I like went from a $50 to $25 co-pay this year, so I was really happy with that.

I think it is really because the doctor wants to exhause all of the PPI's before he recommends surgery. I had only tried the Nexium for one month in the past and he wanted me to try it again to see if it will help more than the Prevacid did. It has just been a very miserable transition for me though. Even on the Prevacid, when I felt good, the tests were showing I had enough acid coming up that it has been triggering my asthma.

I spoke to the doctor and his nurse twice this week. I told them I almost needed emergency treatment because my asthma was so bad. (I hadn't needed my Albuterol in over 8 weeks and I didn't have any problems before the med change.) I also told them about all of the new symptoms I have had that I hadn't experienced before. The answer both times was to stay on the Nexium regardless. I think that is what frustrated me most. The nurse told me my asthma must have been triggered by allergies. Even after I told her I have never had allergic asthma, but that I have cough varient asthma triggered by cold, pollution, chemicals and acid.

I am glad the Prevacid works so well for you. I realize now how grateful I was for how much it helped me the last couple years.