Prevacid; need a quick OTC alternative

[Cindy's Mom]

I am just about out of my prescription for Prevacid; my Dr. left my HMO and the Dr. who is taking over will not do a refill over the phone unless I come in for an appointment; which is a month away. In the meantime; I'm wondering if any Prevacid users have ever used an over the counter medicine and which do you recommend. Thanks.

 

[Christine]

I use Nexium which is similar to Prevacid. You can try the new Prilosec OTC. It contains the same active ingredient as the old Prilosec (omeperazole) how it is formulated a bit differently. It is in a tablet form and not a capsule with the little beads inside. It absolutely did not work for me and within 3 days of taking it I was nauseous. My pharmacist told me that he has had many complaints of the Prilosec OTC not working for people when regular prescription Prilosec did. The whole delivery system is just screwed up and he thinks they should have never made the OTC version the way they did.

But, it is possible it could work for you. If it did not, I would try to use a double dose of Pepcid AC, Tagamet, or Zantac. The over-the-counter dosage listed on the box is about half of what you would get if you got it via prescription.

 

[Tumbleweed]

I am just about out of my prescription for Prevacid; my Dr. left my HMO and the Dr. who is taking over will not do a refill over the phone unless I come in for an appointment; which is a month away. In the meantime; I'm wondering if any Prevacid users have ever used an over the counter medicine and which do you recommend. Thanks.

I took Prevacid for several years. I just couldn't afford it anymore (we dropped
our prescription coverage). I started taking the Prilosec OTC and it works
great!

 

[minniecarousel]

I've never used a prescription antacid, but if I don't take a generic pill every day - I notice the difference. I hope you find one that works.

 

[krdisneybound]

If you do stop taking Prevacid, just please take something. The pain is not a good one to start having.

Good luck

 

[dani0622]

I have been using Prilosec OTC b/c the Prevasid was too much $$. It works fine for me.

 

[zippeedee]

I switched from Prevacid to Prilosec OTC when my co-pay increased dramatically last year. My gastroenerologist was skeptical but agreed to let me try it and I've been fine.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Thanks everyone - looks like everyone's body reacts different to meds . I'll just have to try and see what's best for me.

krdisneybound - I know that pain all too well; that's why I'm trying to get something until I can get my prescription refilled. Thanks for the concerns though.

Christine - I've tried the meds you recommened and they didn't work - BUT then you mentioned double dose. I was taking single dose DUH. Sometimes I can be so sharp - and other times soooo stupid. I still have them, I'll double up. thanks.