Doctors, Pharmacists, Etc. - Nexium/Prilosec Question

[poohs_hunny]

I've been taking Nexium 40mg for over 2 years now for acid reflux/eosinophilic esophagitis. I went to pick up my Nov. prescription today and come to find out, I have already reached my prescription limit for my insurance and the cost was much more than I am willing to pay. I picked up some Prilosec OTC to take instead of Nexium. My question is, what dosage of Prilosec is equivalent to Nexium 40mg? At first I assumed it would be 2 tablets since they are 20mg each, but after researching online, it seems that 20mg Prilosec may be equal to 40mg Nexium. Is this correct, or should I take 40mg of the Prilosec? I am going to call my doctor tomorrow to discuss this, but I am completely out of Nexium and need to take something tomorrow morning. I don't want to miss a dose and risk stomach issues. I am also going to see if my doctor may have any Nexium samples, but I would need enough for 2 months. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[ashely612]

Nexium 40mg would be equivalent to Prilosec 20mg.

 

[poohs_hunny]

OK, so my next question is... why is that?

 

[MushyMushy]

They're two different drugs.

I've been taking Prilosec as a replacement for Nexium for years now. The 20 mg works just as well as the 40 mg Nexium. Never had a problem!

 

[graciejane]

My suggestion would be to call your Dr's office. Explain your situation and see what they suggest. At our office, we try our best to find either assistance with meds or an OTC substitution what will work for the patient.

 

[ashely612]

The technical answer would be that Nexium (esomeprazole) is the active isomer of Prilosec (omeprazole). They are different in their potencies, therefore 1mg of one drug is not necessarily equivalent to 1mg of another.

 

[poohs_hunny]

Very interesting...

I called my the doctor who prescribed the Nexium today, but had to leave a message and was told I wouldn't hear back until at least Tuesday. So I called my PCP, and he said that I should be taking 2 of the 20mg Prilosec. This morning I only took one, but I guess tomorrow I'll start on 2.

 

[Christine]

The technical answer would be that Nexium (esomeprazole) is the active isomer of Prilosec (omeprazole). They are different in their potencies, therefore 1mg of one drug is not necessarily equivalent to 1mg of another.

This!

The two drugs are very similar to each other but somehow the isomer factor makes Nexium work better??? My doctor told me that they weren't very different and drug companies do this so they can get another patented drug on the market once the older one expires.

I used to take Nexium but I can't remember what my doctor gave me when I switched from Prilosec.

I will say that OTC Prilosec does not work for me as well as prescription Prilosec in the same dosage. The OTC is a tablet and there is something about the binders, I guess, that change the way the active ingredient works for me.

 

[Sugardimples]

I used to take Nexium but now take Ginger capsules instead and have no more problem with acid reflux (and I had it bad!)

 

[MushyMushy]

Very interesting...

I called my the doctor who prescribed the Nexium today, but had to leave a message and was told I wouldn't hear back until at least Tuesday. So I called my PCP, and he said that I should be taking 2 of the 20mg Prilosec. This morning I only took one, but I guess tomorrow I'll start on 2.

How bad is it for you? I know there are times when I have it so bad that I take 2, but for the most part 1 works just fine for me and there are some nights I don't take it at all.

 

[poohs_hunny]

How bad is it for you? I know there are times when I have it so bad that I take 2, but for the most part 1 works just fine for me and there are some nights I don't take it at all.

I need to take it consistently or else I have big problems. I have some heartburn/reflux feelings, but my main symptoms before I started medication were stomachaches and nausea, most often right after breakfast. I REALLY do not want to go back to those days because I have been taking too small a dose. Last night I did have reflux pain, so today I took 2 - we'll see what happens.