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Switching from Prevacid to Omaprazole (Prilosec)

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Posted 4/23/2009 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I've been using large dosage of Prevacid for a long time. My insurance won't pay for it any more and told me to use O maprazole or Prilosec over the counter so they don't have to pay anything. I didn't know insurance companies can tell doctors what medicine and dosages to use but that's for another topic.   Prevacid took about a week to work. If I switch to Prilosec from Prevacid, will it take a week to start working? If it doesn't work and I go back to Prevacid will it take another week to start working again? Looks like I'm in for a bad time. I've tried to get off Prevacid many times and my nausea usually comes back in 3 days along with lump in throat.   Thanks!!
Posted 4/23/2009 1:01 PM (GMT 0)

bobt,

Welcome to HealingWell and the GERD/Heartburn Forum.  I cannot answer you question on the switching meds and time frames as each person is different and I am not sure how your system will react. 

I would suggest being prepared for a bumpy ride and if it does not happen then good.

Perhaps another member will have a better answer.

Kitt

Posted 4/23/2009 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
What I was really wondering was if the two drugs are similar enough that one would take over where the other starts and I may not notice much of a difference or they so different it's like starting over.

I'd also like to hear any comments of someone else that had to make the change.

Thanks

Posted 4/23/2009 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
Bobt,
I had a similar issue with my insurance. I was on Prevacid capsules and had been for over a year. The 1st of January they changed their criteria and wouldn't pay for the Prevacid until the doctors proved the Prilosec failed in my case. Luckily I had already tried it first and it was documented as not working for me and then I was put on Prevacid. They still wouldn't pay for the capsules so I had to get the solutabs. They worked, but I hated the taste of them as they dissolved.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 4/25/2009 7:20 PM (GMT 0)

Bobt,

I also had a similiar issue.  My gastro wanted me to go on Zegerid suspension ( prilosec with baking soda).The insurance company said no, that I had to try other meds first. My gastro wrote the documentation and viola. The insurance companies, depending on the contract can make you try a "therapeutic equivilent first" l I echo Bills responseTry the prilosec,if it doesnt work, go back to your MD, have him document it to the insurance company. Yea I know it stinks. Zegerid is working wonders fro me BTW. Take Care

Cordelia

Posted 5/5/2009 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
Just in case anyone has a similar situation, here's what happened to me switching from 30 mg Prevacid to Prilosec 20mg. After 1 day, I started getting heartburn, day or night. After 3 days, nausea came back and lots of heartburn, almost to pains in chest. Day 4 took a 2nd 20mg in evening. Better. Started taking (2) 20mg prilosec each day for 3 weeks. Eating ice cream or chocolate gives lump in throat, heartburn or nausea. Mornings have nausea until taking the (2) 20mg prilosecs. Last day took (2) 20mg's in morning and (1) 20mg in eve. Still have nausea in morning. Have some Prevacid 30mg's left. Went back on them and all is ok. It appears at least for me, you don't have to wait 7-10 days for the Prilosec to start working if you're already using Prevacid and when going back to it. Don't know if using (2) 20mg prilosec would work the same as (1) O maprazole 40mg.   Also, noticed insurance will only give a $10 copay for O maprazole 40mg while a $35 copay for Prevacid 30mg. Hope this helps someone else who finds themselves in a similar situation.
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