Attention GERD Sufferers of America!

[Matt Algren]

I tried to get my Nexium prescription refilled Saturday and found out that my insurance company (UHC) is no longer covering Nexium. A $25 prescription was suddenly worth $172. Fortunately, the pharmacist had mercy on me and gave me a couple pills to get through the weekend so I wouldn't have to sleep sitting up. Seriously, it's that bad. I always sleep on an incline even with medication.

Anyway, the nurse at my doctor's office told me that a lot of the insurance companies are taking Nexium off their approved lists. Call your insurance company to make sure it's still covered before you run out. UHC has several alternatives.

I'm still trying to figure out why it's my job to tell my doctor what medicine I have to take. I always thought it should be the other way 'round.

[Jared H.]

Have you tried Prevacid? works like a charm for me.

[Matt Algren]

Have you tried Prevacid? works like a charm for me.
It's not covered. They didn't tell me what they were going to call in, but I'm hoping for Protonix, just because that would be an awesome superhero name.

[Jared H.]

It's not covered. They didn't tell me what they were going to call in, but I'm hoping for Protonix, just because that would be an awesome superhero name.


Another proton-pump inhibitor, then? What dosage?

Also, Protonix is meant as a short-term solution. 2 months is the standard treatment limit, IIRC.

Edit: forgot that it can be used in maintenance-dosage form as well...

[Matt Algren]

A proton-pump inhibitor, then? What dosage?
Nexium was at maximum, whatever that is. 40 mg, I think. It's ridiculous, but I can tell the difference in the first day without. I was scared to death to go to bed Friday night.

Weird thing is that I didn't notice that problem before I was diagnosed. I just always had a horribly sore throat and lost my voice one week out of the month. For a few weeks before I finally went to the doctor, I was taking four Tylenol XStrength every four hours, around the clock.

[Jared H.]

Nexium was at maximum, whatever that is. 40 mg, I think. It's ridiculous, but I can tell the difference in the first day without. I was scared to death to go to bed Friday night.

Weird thing is that I didn't notice that problem before I was diagnosed. I just always had a horribly sore throat and lost my voice one week out of the month. For a few weeks before I finally went to the doctor, I was taking four Tylenol XStrength every four hours, around the clock.


I know the feeling, although never as bad as you have.

Have you tried any over-the-counter meds? Prilosec OTC works for some.

[Matt Algren]

I know the feeling, although never as bad as you have.

Have you tried any over-the-counter meds? Prilosec OTC works for some.
Well, to be fair, it was only that bad because I was too darn stubborn to go to the doctor. Prilosec dented it a little, but I always end up with sour stomach with that.

I just realized that it's five years last month since I first got the sweet, sweet purple pill. Holy crap, that's a long time. How long since yours started?

[Jared H.]

Well, to be fair, it was only that bad because I was too darn stubborn to go to the doctor. Prilosec dented it a little, but I always end up with sour stomach with that.

I just realized that it's five years last month since I first got the sweet, sweet purple pill. Holy crap, that's a long time. How long since yours started?

7 years, almost 8. I started at 15.