A widely available nonprescription drug -- Prilosec OTC -- is as effective a treatment for heartburn and acid reflux disease as prescription drugs costing almost 10 times more, according to an analysis from Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs, a public education project of Consumers Union.
"Many people with heartburn and acid reflux could save $1,000 to $2,000 a year by taking an over-the-counter drug that's just as effective as high-priced prescription drugs," said Gail Shearer, director of the project.
"These are dramatic savings, and illustrate why consumers should talk to their doctors about identifying effective, lower-cost medicines," Shearer added.
The over-the-counter drug Prilosec costs $19 to $26 a month on average nationwide, and can be even cheaper at large discount stores.
In contrast, the drug Nexium -- heavily advertised to both consumers and doctors -- costs $181 to $193 a month on average, depending on dose. Similarly, Prevacid costs $131 to $186 a month. Both these medicines may cost somewhat less at large discount stores.
Even people with insurance coverage could save money by choosing Prilosec OTC if their insurers cover the drug or offer coupons for it, the report says. Generally, insurers do not pay for nonprescription drugs, but many have chosen to help enrollees pay for Prilosec OTC.
Prilosec OTC, Nexium, and Prevacid are three of the five drugs in a class called Proton Pump Inhibitors, or PPIs. PPIs are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the U.S.
The report, based on a detailed evaluation of the scientific evidence, concludes that none of the PPIs is any more effective than the others in treating heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD.
