its been almost few years since i am taking prilosec OTC. 1 a day every morning, it was prescribed by my physician i was told that its safe to take prilosec OTC for long period of time. matter of fact on the back of the box it says (stop use and ask your doctor if you need to take this product for more than 14 days) so has anyone taking this medicine for more than 14 days? and is it safe to continue use of this tablet for very long period of time? any input would be appreciated!
2006-10-04 17:21:31 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I have been on it for almost a year. I take it everyday in the morning. I asked my Dr about what the box says too. She told me it is safe for long term use and that she has people who have been on it for 5 or more years. I love it, I can't go without it. I was so miserable and it has been a lifesaver. If you feel uncomfortable about it you can always check next time you go to the Dr. But mine says it's fine. It used to be a prescription ...it was very expensive and not covered by most insurance. Thank god it is now OTC. Good luck.
Don't do it...don't stop like the previous posted suggested. I did that after a few months and I was back at square one with 6 weeks. Then I had to start over from scratch. That's when I went to the Dr and asked about long term use. She said that the problem is caused by a sore inside and the prilosec helps it to heal. I get mine at Sam's Club because it's cheaper, 3-14 day boxes for $25. Don't stop though. Talk to a Dr if you're really worried about it otherwise just continue to take it and be symptom free. Good luck...again!
2006-10-04 17:28:00 · answer #1 · answered by buddhafuldreamer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also take Prilosec OTC for long-term use. I believe the box says stop after 14 days because this is the recommendation for people who aren't taking it under a doctor's advice. As one of the proton pump inhibiting meds, Prilosec OTC can be useful for treatment of such conditions as GERD (reflux) in the long-term.
2006-10-04 18:07:17 · answer #2 · answered by swirlygirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prilosec used to be given as a prescription, and was taken for more that two weeks at a time. My doctor told me that it was safe to take for as long as I needed, and not to worry about what the box said. I took it for a year, and then stopped. I was O.K. for about a year, and then I had to start taking it again. I have been off of it for several years now, but I wouldn't hesitate to start again if I started having problems again. I don't know how serious your condition is, but you might want to stop just so you can see if you still need it, or ask your doctor if it would be O.K. to stop.
2006-10-04 17:30:07 · answer #3 · answered by Scarlet 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the idea is if your symptoms do not improve in 14 days then see your doctor. If you did get benifit, then 8-12 week therapy would have done good. I would suggest to try and stop it and see what happens, if symptoms recur then your doctor could consider EGD or H pylori evaluation etc, otherwise even life long treatment won't harm if your symptoms have resolved, good luck
2006-10-04 17:27:07 · answer #4 · answered by HK3738 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, its safe. You can actually double it and it wont hurt you. The box says that cuz by law they have to.
I have lived with acid reflux and stomach trouble and have taken them all.
2006-10-04 17:30:16 · answer #5 · answered by ~~ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i took it every evening before meals for over a year, and i finally asked that same question about safety, needing to continue, and the fact that it is very pricey. doctor switched me to ranitidine, ( Zantac), it is cheaper and he says it will do the same job.. good luck to you
2006-10-04 17:32:44 · answer #6 · answered by Marvin C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋