What is Prilosec?

Prilosec is a prescription medication to treat acid reflux and related conditions caused by stomach acid. Prilosec is made and sold in the United States by Astra-Zeneca. ¹

What does Prilosec do?

The active ingredient in Prilosec is omeprazole, a medication that inhibits cells in the stomach lining from making acid. ²

What should I go over with my doctor before I decide to start taking Prilosec?

Prilosec and other drugs like it are expensive and may be over prescribed. Prilosec is intended for patients who are suffering from severe gastrointestinal acid conditions that require treatment with a prescription medication, not merely heartburn.

Patients who are merely suffering from heartburn can probably correct their condition with lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, less greasy or spicy meals, losing weight or cutting down on alcohol, caffeine or cigarettes or not going to bed within an hour of eating a big meal. Some may benefit from a less expensive, over the counter medication such as antacids. For many people, Prilosec and other prescription heartburn remedies may be a significant waste of money. ³

Even among prescription medications, cost varies widely. A Consumer Reports price comparison showed that costs of these types of medications varied from the most expensive—one dose of Nexium per day for an average monthly cost of $248.00—down to the cheapest—a dose of generic omeprazole per day for an average monthly cost of $19.00.⁴ Certainly, simple chewable antacids are even cheaper. A bottle of over the counter remedies like Tums, Maalox or Pepto Bismol can usually be found in the United States at a corner store or pharmacy for under $6.00.

There is an over the counter version of Prilosec called Prilosec OTC, which is made by the same company and contains the same ingredients,⁵ marketed by Proctor and Gamble.⁶ Prilosec OTC costs about $24.00 a month.³

The FDA states that Prilosec OTC contains the same active ingredient as Prilosec but warns that Prilosec “treats diseases that require diagnoses and supervision by a doctor.” ⁷

Some people may be allergic to Prilosec or taking medication that may interfere with it. The active ingredient in Prilosec and Prilosec OTC interferes with the anti-clotting medication Plavix, used to prevent heart attacks or strokes. If you are being treated for prevention of heart attack or stroke or are taking an anti-clotting agent, be sure to discuss any changes in your medication with your doctor first. ⁸

What can I do if I’m already taking Prilosec?

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the medications that you are being prescribed, or if you start to experience any side effects from them, including Prilosec. You may be able to change to a medication that is more effective for you or less expensive. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating less and cutting out caffeine or alcohol may also be something that your doctor will advise.

Learn everything you can about Prilosec before you start taking it.

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¹ http://www1.astrazeneca-us.com/pi/Prilosec.pdf
² Drug Bank Open Data and Drug Target Database, (13 June 2005, updated 14 February 2012, retrieved 21 August 2012), “Omeprazole” http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00338#pharmacology
³ Consumer Reports, “Drugs to treat heartburn, GERD,” http://www.consumerreports.org/health/best-buy-drugs/heartburn_ppi.htm
⁴ Ibid.
⁵ “Over-the-Counter Prilosec,” (2006) [citing Can J Gastoenterol 11(8):657-60, 1997 Nov-Dec) http://www.healthcentral.com/acid-reflux/question-answer-28127-64.html
⁶ http://www.prilosecotc.com/; BrandChannel.com, Silverstein, Barry, “Prilosec Drug War,” (23 December 2006), http://www.brandchannel.com/features_profile.asp?pr_id=470
⁷ Food and Drug Administration, “Questions and Answers on Prilosec OTC (Omeprazole),” (updated 3 August 2010, retrieved 21 August 2012), http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/OfficeofMedicalProductsandTobacco/CDER/ucm220956.htm#4
⁸ Food and Drug Administration, “FDA Announces New Warning on Plavix: Avoid Use with Prilosec/Prilosec OTC,” (18 November 2009) http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm191169.htm