4 Popular Medications for Treating GERD
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a health condition that occurs when the stomach contents flow upwards or reflux into the esophagus, thereby irritating it. GERD or acid reflux happens due to the weakening of muscles at the end of the esophagus. A person suffering from GERD might feel a burning sensation in the chest or throat, which is usually referred to as heartburn. They also feel the taste of stomach acid in the back of their mouth. Other symptoms that might be associated with this health condition include dry cough, difficulty in swallowing, and asthma.
GERD can affect anyone, even infants and children. If not treated in due time, the symptoms can worsen and result in the narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcer, and even precancerous esophagus. Hence, apart from making lifestyle and dietary changes, GERD symptoms need to be treated with specific medications. Some medications are mentioned below:
Nexium (Esomeprazole)
Nexium or Esomeprazole is used for certain GERD symptoms such as ulcers and inflammation in the esophagus. It also helps in treating bacteria. Esomeprazole helps in preventing ulcers due to consuming NSAIDs. It is also more effective in controlling the amount of acid produced in the stomach compared to other proton pump inhibitors. The average retail price of the Esomeprazole is around $285, but GoodRx offers the same at $12.21, which is almost a 95% discount. And with GoodRx Gold , Esomeprazole can be bought at $10.61.
Prevacid (Lansoprazole)
This medicine is available in the form of a capsule and is used for treating GERD symptoms, heartburn, and gastric and duodenal ulcer. It works similarly to proton pump inhibitors by reducing the acid level in the stomach. There are dosage levels of Lansoprazole. GoodRx offers 30mg Lansoprazole capsules at the lowest price of $10.36, which is a 90% discount on its original price. 15mg capsules are available at $15.49. You can buy Lansoprazole at $6.72 using the GoodRx Gold membership.
Prilosec (Omeprazole)
This is yet another medicine used for treating certain GERD symptoms. It is also used for controlling the stomach acid levels, which help in managing GERD symptoms further. Omeprazole is available in generic as well as brand versions. You can get the medicine through prescription and over the counter. GoodRx provides this medicine for $9.55, which is a 87% discount from the average retail price. The GoodRx Gold membership can get you the same medication at $3.99.
Aciphex (Rabeprazole)
Rabeprazole prevents the overproduction of stomach acid so that it does not reflux back into the esophagus. It is also used for preventing other GERD symptoms such as inflammation of the esophagus and certain ulcers. Rabeprazole also helps in managing Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. The syndrome causes tumors in the pancreas and small intestines due to the overproduction of stomach acid. You can buy the most generic form of Rabeprazole from GoodRx at a discounted price of $9.71. The average retail price of Rabeprazole is $142.80. You can also buy the medicine on a monthly basis at a price of $5.99/month using the GoodRx Gold membership.