OTC PPIs

[daw]

First it was OTC H2Blockers and now it's OTC Prilosec. My main concern is that even more people will be putting off or not even visiting their doctor. It may relieve their symptoms and they will not be attempting to change their diets or take other precautions. I'm sure the instructions will say "not to be taken for more than 2 weeks without seeing your doctor" but how many people actually follow that advice? I also worry about those who will have undiagnosed Barrett's. Once again money takes precedence over health.

[annie]

Oh my gosh Daw, I can't believe they are doing this in your country. I doubt we are ever going to have OTC PPIs here in NZ, at least not for quite some time. We don't even have OTC H2As here...the only thing we can get over the counter is antacids and Gaviscon.
I agree with you...half the battle of GORD and LPR is actually the lifestyle changes and dietary modifications, so letting people buy those powerful drugs over the counter is a concern. And yeah, Barrett's is another worry.
I hope they rethink this whole thing!

[Hawk]

I just read in a news release that OTC Prilosec is going to be less than a dollar a pill. It did not say at what mg...

[Vee]

Ad in Washington Post this morning....Giant food store.

Prilosec OTC $9.99 - 14 day course of treatment - fourteen 20 mg tablets.

[maxx]

I have mixed feelings about otc ppis. Some people will put off going if they go at all to the dr and end up with really bad reflux. I know I fell into that one. But then you have to look at the people witout insurance that would maybe have to go without medication. I had the insurance issue 2 years ago was on 3 nexium a day got laid off. I opted for surgery when I got back to work to avoid that problem again.

[annie]

I totally see your point...it is kind of a double-edged sword. I mean, here in NZ we don't have the option, but at least I can ring my doctor's surgery and get a repeat prescription without having to go back and see him.
I just think that PPIs are wonderful...I can't believe how much quality of life is returning for me...I was actually in despair. The LPR won't go for quite some time I reckon, but my chest is clear...amazing!!

[Hawk]

I was able to buy Prilosec OTC at Sam's Club here in NY. It is in a 42 Tablet box (three 14 tablet boxes inside.) The cost works out to be about 57 cents a tablet.

It is a salmon colored tablet listed at 20mg.

The active ingredient is Omeprazole magnesium 20.6 mg (equivalent to 20 mg Omeprazole)

So, I will be experimenting with the OTC to see if it is as good as Prilosec...