I agree with Mike. I work for the Gov't and have Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Nexium is also very expensive for me and the insurance will only cover for a certain length of time (6 months?) and then a written letter from the Doc is req'd for another time span. Even with the insurance, the co-pay is quite high as you have pointed out your expense. I have terrible acid reflux
and had Tums/Rolaids EVERYWHERE. In the car, desk, work, home and ate them all the time. My doc had me try Nexium and no doubt it works well, there is no question there. But I had tried Prilosec OTC (this used to be a perscription only drug!) and also found it very effective. I told my doc about the Prilosec. It comes in 14 day dose packs and may take a few days before you feel the relief. The only thing is that after 14 days, the heartburn will return. I have found that if I take one every other day continuous that it is just as effective as Nexium. I have a co-worker with the same problem as me and he also uses Prilosec, but takes one every day. He said he may try to cut back to every other day as I do. My doctor has given me the green light to use the Prilosec instead of the very expensive Nexium. I have been using it for about 3 years now and have no side effects. If I eat heavy (like thanksgiving) or very spicy food or late night, I may experience some slight heartburn and simply take a few Tums, but the days of a pocket full and eating rolls of Tums are gone!! Talk to your doctor. You may want to give Prilosec a try. You can buy it anywhere such as Sams Club, Wal-Mart or any Walgreens or pharmacy. A 3 dose-pack (14 day per dose-pack) package runs about 25 bucks, so one will last me almost 3 months if I take one every other day!! A whole lot cheaper than Nexium!! Good luck!! Hope this info is helpful!
Matt B.
