Which is better prilosec or nexium

Back to Articles Nexium vs. Prilosec: Which Heartburn Medicine is Better? Posted in Heartburn. Prilosec vs Nexium: Usage Both Prilosec and Nexium are best taken for frequent episodes of heartburn as they often take longer to see an effect.

Is Nexium or Prilosec Better? To learn more: Curist Omeprazole compare to Prilsoec is available here Curist Esomeprazole compare to Nexium is available here. Want more?

Related Articles. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Until March , Nexium was available only by prescription and at a significantly higher price.

However, generic omeprazole may be less expensive than Prilosec OTC. Work with your doctor or pharmacist to decide which PPI is best for you. In addition to cost, consider things like:. A link to possible dementia risk was reported in , but a larger confirmatory study in determined that there was no increased risk of dementia from using PPIs. Many people experience excess acid production when they stop using PPIs. At the end of the recommended treatment duration, you should taper off of the medication gradually.

Work with your doctor to do so. Before taking either medication, talk to your doctor to learn about the risk factors and drug interactions associated with them. Always tell your doctor about all the drugs, herbs, and vitamins you take. Prilosec and Nexium can interact with other medications you might be taking.

The U. Food and Drug Administration FDA has issued a warning that the drug in Prilosec reduces the effectiveness of the blood thinner clopidogrel Plavix. Other drugs can interact with Nexium or Prilosec, but may still be taken with either drug.

Tell your doctor if you take any of these drugs so they can evaluate your risk:. Lifestyle changes should be your first steps in controlling GERD and heartburn. You may want to try:. Over time, long-term GERD can lead to esophageal cancer. GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic form of heartburn. This can increase the risk of heart attack and even death. If you take Plavix, talk to your doctor about whether you should take a PPI.

Both the prescription and over-the-counter versions of PPIs are usually more expensive than antacids and H2 blockers. If you are worried about cost, talk to your doctor.

He or she can help you find the least expensive medicine that will work for you. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms such as trouble swallowing, weight loss, or chest pain. The doctor will look for signs of problems such as GERD gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Both drugs are made up of the same chemicals but are arranged in different ways. The dosage and length of treatment vary by age and the condition being treated. Sign up for Nexium price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get price alerts. Prilosec is also indicated for the treatment of active duodenal ulcer or active benign gastric ulcer, treatment of erosive esophagitis EE due to acid-mediated GERD, and maintenance of healing of EE due to acid-mediated GERD. In trials comparing standard doses of Nexium 40 mg and Prilosec 20 mg along with other PPIs in patients with GERD symptoms, Nexium provided the most acid control out of all of the drugs.

In another study , patients treated with Nexium experienced faster symptom relief than patients treated with Prilosec and other PPIs. Although Nexium may be more effective, both drugs are quite popular among prescribers.

The best medication is the one that works best for you, with the least amount of side effects. Consult your healthcare provider, who can help select the best drug for you based on your symptoms, medical condition s , and other drugs you take that could interact with Nexium or Prilosec.

Sign up for Prilosec price alerts and find out when the price changes! Usually, the prescription generic version is covered. The OTC versions are usually only covered with a prescription under certain insurance. Copays vary by plan. Get a prescription coupon. The most common side effects of Nexium are abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and nausea.

The most common side effects of Prilosec are headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.