Is Prilosec otc 20 mg the same as Nexium prescription 20 mg? I have taken Nexium 40 mg time released. Is taking Prilosec 20 mg x2 equal to the Nexium 40 mg? Do they both have the same effect in treating GERD?
6/ 4/09 5:45pm
They are both Proton Pump Inhibitors but they are different medications. They are prescribed at similar levels but because they are different meds (Nexium is esomeprazole, Prilosec is Omeprazole) you cannot consider them to be equal. Everyone will respond in a different way to different medications. Some will do better on one, some on the other so while they may have the same effect for one person, anohter person may find one or the other more effective.
Stephanie
7/24/09 1:46pm
I have taken Nexium for a number of years. Recently, I spoke with my doctor about what to take once my health insurance runs out and he told me that Prilosec and Nexium work almost the same way and as they are not exactly exual, I may want to consider Prilosec as an option. I hope this helps.
8/ 8/09 2:25pm
Same stupid pill. they added magnesium to prilosec and called it nexium. This renewed their patent and they could make more money. Mag is supposed to have some healing properties. Order the generic prilosec and you will have the same benefit. Please consult with your doctor
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By angelmom— Last Modified: 12/22/10, First Published: 06/04/09
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Thank you for the response Bill. My main question is simply this. If I take 40 mg of the OTC Prilosec is it the same as taking the prescribed 40 mg of Nexium. Here is an FYI...I spoke with Astra Zeneca and they gave me a discount card for Nexium. It saved me $50.00. Turns out they manufacture both the prescription Nexium and Prilosec, but NOT the OTC Prilosec. I told them I was thinking of taking the OTC Prilosec and they were very quick to send me a discount card for the Nexium. SOOOO expensive!! Thanks for your advice.