Acid Reflux Otc Medication

Q: My last physical, the doc asks me a bunch of questions then after some lab work, determined I had acid reflux and a minor ulcer (hmm). He gave me a prescription; Prilosec 20 mg, (one capsule every morning).. He also told me that many people live with these problems for years without knowing it. For those that miss eating spicy food, let me tell you, you can eat spicy food again and not be kept awake by heartburn.. I really am surprised how well this stuff works.. I haven't had one bout of heartburn in over 20 days and I haven't had an antacid in that long either.. Not one! Just an FYI for those RVer who may suffer the same thing I was I am very confused about this. So can anyone here help me please?.

A:Having just gone through the bleeding ulcer bit, I would like to point out that bacteria are not the only cause of ulcers. Tests are given to determine whether bacteria are present or not. If yes, treatment would include antibiotics and jalapeno peppers. If not bacteria-caused, controlling stomach acid becomes very important. OTC medication such as Prilosec works well in most cases. If not, prescription Prilosec (40 mg) or Protonix (40 mg) will do a good job of shutting down/controlling the little pumps. Costco sells 42 capsules 20mg Prilosec OTC for $25. Since it is OTC, some insurances won't cover it, and the IRS won't allow a medical expense deduction. I don't know how much they would charge for the 40 mg capsules - they require a prescription. The equivalent, 40 mg Protonix, costs $106.64 at the CVS pharmacy for 30 capsules. Do the math. The prescription 40 mg costs $3.55 per capsule, which is about what you and your insurance co paid for the prescription Prilosec. Ask you doctor - he may be OK with 20mg OTC Prilosec, or - if need be - 2 x 20mg Prilosec. But make sure that the insurance co covers the OTC. If not, you'd be better off paying $20 for the 30 caps and screw the insurance co.

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