Download and print these Patient FAQs and distribute to your patients.
Can I take it for more than 14 days?
If your heartburn continues or returns after 14 days of treatment, see your doctor before continuing treatment, as persistent frequent heartburn may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Is Prilosec OTC expensive?
Treatment with Prilosec OTC costs under 78¢ A DAY!1 Prilosec OTC is also covered under most flexible spending account plans, so you save even more.
When should I consult a doctor about Prilosec OTC?
As with any OTC drug, it is important to read and follow all label directions. If you have questions regarding the label or use of Prilosec OTC, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do NOT take Prilosec OTC if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble or pain swallowing food
- Vomiting with blood
- Bloody or black stools
These can be signs of a more serious condition that requires the attention of your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking Prilosec OTC, if you are taking:- Warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- Prescription antifungal or anti-yeast
- Diazepam (anxiety medicine)
- Digoxin (heart medicine)
What is frequent heartburn, and how do I know if I have it?Frequent heartburn means heartburn two or more days a week. If you regularly take heartburn medications for your heartburn symptoms, you may have frequent heartburn. Prilosec OTC is the only nonprescription heartburn medicine specifically indicated for the treatment of frequent heartburn.
Is Prilosec OTC the same as prescription Prilosec (omeprazole)?Prilosec OTC delivers the same medicine at the same dose as the 20-mg prescription Prilosec. However, Prilosec OTC is available over the counter and is indicated for people with frequent heartburn (heartburn occurring two or more days a week). You should not take Prilosec OTC in place of your prescription medication unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
How is Prilosec OTC different from many other OTC heartburn medications?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.
When can I expect Prilosec OTC to start working?Prilosec OTC works on the first day of your 14-day course of treatment. On day 14 of a recent study, Prilosec OTC worked even better than on day one.
2 Prilosec OTC should not be taken for longer than 14 days without consulting your doctor.
Why do I have to take it for 14 days if my heartburn is gone? Can I stop once I get relief?Prilosec OTC starts to work on the very first day of treatment.† Even though you may feel relief in the first few days, make sure to take the entire 14 days of dosing to treat your frequent heartburn. Taking Prilosec OTC every day for 14 days helps to ensure that acid production is consistently controlled.
Ask your doctor before taking Prilosec OTC if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding:
- Had heartburn over three months. This may be a sign of a more serious condition.
- Heartburn with lightheadedness, sweating, or dizziness
- Chest pain or shoulder pain with shortness of breath; sweating; pain spreading to arms, neck, or shoulders; or lightheadedness
- Frequent chest pain
- Frequent wheezing, particularly with heartburn
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
* When used as directed for 14 days for treating frequent heartburn. Not for immediate relief.
† Not for immediate relief.
Prilosec and Prilosec OTC are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
References:- ACNielsen all outlet data, weighted average pill price, January 1-August 21, 2004.
- Data on file. The Procter & Gamble Company; 2000.
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