Nonprescription Nexium Heartburn Medicine Launches.

[elleng]

A nonprescription version of Nexium, the most popular medicine for frequent, severe heartburn, has just gone on sale.

Drugmaker Pfizer Inc. said Tuesday that over-the-counter Nexium 24HR is available for online orders at www.Nexium24HR.com and will be in most retailers nationwide within three days.

The nonprescription version is a 20-milligram dose of "the purple pill," known chemically as esomeprazole.

Patients are to take one pill daily for up to 14 days, so it's sold in packages of 14, 28 or 42 pills, priced at about $15 to $30. Prescription Nexium, which will still be available in 20- and 40-milligram strengths, costs $260 a month or more, without insurance coverage.

New York-based Pfizer said it's planning consumer ads about the launch, which it's begun promoting at www.facebook.com/Nexium24HR . Pfizer also is offering $1-off coupons for it on the website and www.coupons.com .

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2014/05/28/us/ap-us-nonprescription-nexium.html?hp

[liberal N proud]

1. Now maybe I will not have to fight Express Scripts to get this stuff.

When my stomach acts up, Nexium is the only drug that will heal it and Express Scripts fights me and the doctor every time.

[elleng]

2. Sorry you've had trouble getting it.

I have a regular prescription, and good insurance, but looks like this will save me some $$$. I take it every day(evening.)

[Nay]

12. I also take it every day and I hope the next order from ExpressScripts will

reflect the new non-prescription price. Let's hope, anyway.

[Schema Thing]

3. When I start having heartburn, I just eat about 50% less

and no food or alcohol a few hours before bed.

That's what works for me. (I fully realize that my experience won't work for everyone). So far, every heartburn episode I've had has come from bad eating or drinking habits that I've let creep into my routine.

[elleng]

4. Good you have a routine that works.

Nothing works for me but nexium. I don't eat much, and tho I usually take it evenings, there are times/days/weeks when I feel the need to take it during the afternoon.

[Schema Thing]

5. ugh, sorry you have to deal with that.

I'm lucky, but when it hits, it's usually just uncomfortable - until it wakes me in the middle of the night with acid in my mouth - then it's horrible.

I feel for anyone who has to deal with it all the time.

[elleng]

6. That sounds HORRIBLE,

waking with acid in your mouth! A mild burning keeps me from sleeping, so that's why I take it, NOT debilitating.

[PADemD]

7. Before you spend $260, try eliminating Carrageenan from your diet.

My acid reflux went away as soon as I eliminated Carrageenan from my diet, even though I am overweight.

Carrageenan is in most coffee creamers, ice creams, whipped creams, some yogurts, chocolate milk, and SILK milk, anything that is labeled creamy, non-dairy, or low fat. I have even found it in cereal. Save yourself some money by checking the label of everything you purchase.

http://www.rodalenews.com/carrageenan-side-effects

http://www.notmilk.com/carrageenan.html

[elleng]

8. Thanks, will check.

I do eat some yogurts (occasionally,) but a bit of 'low fat' milk in coffee every day, less than 1/2 cup.

[PADemD]

9. Even a little bit every day is too much.

Complete elimination will work.

[MineralMan]

10. I saw the first TV ad for it tonight

on the local evening news.

[leftyladyfrommo]

11. I saw it at Walmart this morning. n/t