When can a patient expect Prilosec OTC® to start working for frequent heartburn?†
How is Prilosec OTC different from many other over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn products?
Is Prilosec OTC the same as prescription Prilosec (omeprazole)?
What is frequent heartburn, and how will patients know if they have it?
How should a patient take Prilosec OTC?
Is Prilosec OTC safe?
Are there any side effects?
Q: When can a patient expect Prilosec OTC to start working for frequent heartburn?†
A: Prilosec OTC begins to work on the very first day of treatment, although it may take one to four days to have full effect. In fact, clinical studies showed that after taking the first dose of their 14-day course of Prilosec OTC, about half of the people were free of heartburn in the first 24 hours, compared with a significantly lower number of people taking placebo. And over a 14-day course of treatment, an increasing number of people taking Prilosec OTC reported complete heartburn relief.
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Q: How is Prilosec OTC different from many other over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn products?
A: Prilosec OTC works differently than many other OTC heartburn medications because it shuts down acid production at the source—the active acid pumps in the stomach. One daily dose of Prilosec OTC can work up to 24 hours.* Prilosec OTC is indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn and is not for immediate relief.
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Q: Is Prilosec OTC the same as prescription Prilosec (omeprazole)?
A: Prilosec OTC delivers the same medicine at the same dose as 20 mg prescription Prilosec. Prilosec OTC is available over the counter and is indicated for people with frequent heartburn. Prilosec OTC is to be used once a day (every 24 hours) every day for 14 days, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Prescription Prilosec is indicated for acid-related conditions that Prilosec OTC is not.
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Q: What is frequent heartburn, and how will patients know if they have it?
A: Frequent heartburn means heartburn two or more days a week. If someone regularly takes acid reducers or antacids for his or her heartburn symptoms, that person might have frequent heartburn.
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Q: How should a patient take Prilosec OTC?
A: As part of a course of therapy, a patient takes only one pill a day to treat frequent heartburn for 24 hours.* One pill a day is taken with a glass of water before eating in the morning for 14 days. The patient may repeat this 14-day treatment every four months, or as directed by his or her doctor.
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Q: Is Prilosec OTC safe?
A: For more than a decade doctors have prescribed Prilosec to safely treat acid-related conditions in millions of people. We encourage patients to refer to the label or ask their healthcare professionals to determine if they can take Prilosec OTC.
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Q: Are there any side effects?
A: The side effects associated with Prilosec OTC are mild and comparable to placebo. The most common are headache and diarrhea.
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† Heartburn two or more days a week
* Use as directed for 14 days for treating frequent heartburn. Not for immediate relief.
Prilosec and Prilosec OTC are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
