I have been taking Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) for a while

now and my copay was $15.00 for 30 packets of powder that you cut in

half and take with water. I forgot to meantion that my copay is now 120.00 for 30 packets of powder that I cut in half and just last November of 2008 I paid $15.00 for the same amount. My other medications also jumped in price for my copay and I tired of hearing about what it cost for other people on different plans and what my insurance company pays for it.The pharmacertical companies are making Billions off Medications and the Generic versions don't come out for Twelve years or longer, so you pay through the nose for the name brand until they do. Also the companies will do anything to get the doctor to give you a sample to get you on and then write a perscription for it to get you on it. They give the doctors all kind of perks to push their medications even taking them out to lunch.

I have been very concerned with studies and warnings from doctors that

meantioned,  people that have been on it for along time coming down with

stomach cancer due to stomach acid cut off by proton pump inhibiters

and bacteria building up bad enough to cause cancer.

The acid normally kills the bacteria and keep the stomach in balance

but when there is no acid to kill it, there will eventually be a major problem.

I have read about Three medical studies that were done and warnings from

the doctors.

Also when you reach the age of 50 the amount of acid in your stomach is

cut in half due to age.

If there is no acid to digest food, how is your food broken down and

I already have been diagnosed with malabsorption and take enzymes

to help with that and the Zegerid is starting to not work, which is one

of the things meantioned about medications for acid reflux and I am also

having other problems to do with side effects.

I went from taking Zantac,to Prilasect,sorry for the spelling, to Ranitadine

to Zegerid and I would like to find a natural alternative.

I don't have problems with drinking coffee and I eat small amounts of

Dark Chocolate for antioxadants and watch my diet.

I don't have problems with diet and I  battle with stress from Military

ralated PTSD.

I am aware that stress can trigger acid reflex.

I am tired of being on Meds. and I will soon stop taking them.

Plus I am on disability and can't afford the copays.

My husband is just over the limit for me to get help with paying for them.