Download and print these Patient
FAQ and distribute to your patients.
Can I take Prilosec OTC® for more than 14 days?
Is Prilosec OTC expensive?
When should I consult a doctor about Prilosec OTC?
What is frequent heartburn, and how do I know if I have it?
Is Prilosec OTC the same as prescription Prilosec (omeprazole)?
How is Prilosec OTC different from many other OTC heartburn medications?
When can I expect Prilosec OTC to start working?
Why do I have to take it for 14 days if my heartburn is gone? Can I
stop once I get relief?
Can I take Prilosec OTC 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 might be a sign of
a more serious condition.
Is Prilosec OTC expensive?
Treatment with Prilosec OTC costs less than a dollar 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 medicines
- Diazepam (anxiety medicine)
- Digoxin (heart medicine)
- Tacrolimus (immune system medicine)
- Prescription antiretrovirals (medicines for HIV infection)
FDA Health Advisory Issued
Learn why new data recommends avoiding the combination of Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)
and Plavix (clopidogrel).
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 might have 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. Prescription Prilosec is indicated for acid-related conditions
that Prilosec OTC is not.
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, although
it may take one to four days to have full effect. On Day 14 of a recent study, Prilosec
OTC worked even better than on Day 1.2 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 might 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 for more than three months. This might 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.
Prilosec and Prilosec OTC are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of
companies.
References
1 P&G calculation based in part on non-promoted unit price reported
by The Nielsen Company through its Retail Scantrack Services in the U.S. market
to which P&G subscribes for the Stomach Remedies Category for the period latest
week ending February 13, 2010.
2 Data on file. The Procter & Gamble Company; 2000.
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