Online Pharmacy Facts

If you’re like me, Acid Reflux is a part of everyday life, and not a very welcome one. With proper eating habits and the proper medication, it is possible to rid ourselves of the burn that is Acid Reflux.

What Is Acid Reflux? What Is GERD?

Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition that is occurs when the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. When this liquid, containing stomach acid, bile originating in the small intestine, and pepsin, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins, works its way up into your esophagus, it can cause swelling, irritation, and sometimes even damage to the lining of the esophagus. The most damaging element in this digestive cocktail is stomach acid. It can literally burn holes in your esophagus lining if it goes untreated.

Some might ask what is the difference between Acid Reflux or GERD and Heartburn. The difference is that Acid Reflux is a chronic condition that most often will last the duration of the patients life. Heartburn is very similar to Acid Relux, in fact, heartburn IS Acid Relux. Almost all humans will experience heartburn or Acid Reflux Disease. Both conditions involve the liquid contents of the stomach backing up into the esophagus. The difference is; the liquid in the stomach of a person that has Acid Reflux Disease contains more stomach acid and occurs more often than the person who is experiencing occasional heartburn. This acid rich stomach liquid also tends to stay in the esophagus for a longer duration of time in patients with GERD.

How Do I Know I Have Acid Reflux Disease?

The answer to this question is fairly simple. If you experience heartburn on a daily basis and find yourself eating bottle after bottle of antacids, chances are you have Acid Reflux Disease or GERD. If you experience heartburn only in stressful times or after eating particular foods or spicey meals and a few antacid tablets usually does the trick, this is most likely just normal heartburn that 99.9% of the population experiences. If you are unsure or think you may possibly have Acid Reflux Disease, consult your physician for professional advice.

Your Body Naturally Fights Acid Reflux

During the day, your body naturally fights to prevent damage caused by Acid Reflux. While you are awake you repeatedly swallow whether you are aware of it or not. This naturally forces refluxed fluid back into your stomach. In addition to swallowing, your saliva glands are working hard all day producing bicarbonate rich saliva which is constantly running down your throat. This bicarbonate neutralizes the small amounts of acid that are left behind after swallowing.

The Earth is also working to help you with GERD. Yes, it’s true. Most of the time you are awake, you are standing or sitting upright. While you are upright, the Earth’s gravity is pulling harmful stomach acid out of your throat and back into your stomach. So never say Mother Earth isn’t looking out for you.

Will My Acid Reflux Disease Ever Go Away?

Unfortunately, Acid Reflux Disease is permanent most of the time. Even after years of treatment, when treatment is terminated, the symptoms of Acid Reflux recur within a very short period of time. This means that once you are diagnosed with Acid Reflux Disease, you will probably be taking medication for the rest of your life.

What Options Do I Have?

There are many things that contribute directly or indirectly to the production of acid in the stomach. The following have been known to cause heartburn and increase the amount of stomach acid produced. Cutting back or ceasing the intake or exposure to the following can help reduce heatburn and the symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease.

• Smoking
• Eating hot and/or spicey foods
• Stress
• Consuption of alcoholic beverages

Ceasing your exposure to the items listed here will not always prevent hearburn and/or Acid Reflux, but it can help to lessen the symptoms of both conditions. Unfortunately for sufferers of Acid Reflux Disease, the only effective treatment involves some sort of medication.

What Medication Is Available For Acid Reflux Disease?

There are many effective medications available for relief from Acid Reflux Disease and heartburn. Let me first recommend some over the counter (OTC) medication. In some cases, OTC medicine can be just as effective as a more expensive prescription. It is always best to try OTC medication before resorting to prescription medication. While very safe to use, prescription Acid Reflux medication will almost always have more possible side effects as well as more common undesirable interactions with other medication.

Over The Counter Acid Reflux Medication (OTC) - Links Open In New Window

• Pepcid AC Acid Reducer (Tablets)
  Active Ingredient: Famotidine
  Cost: $9.59 for 30 tablets
  Provides sustained relief for chronic acid related conditions. Can provide relief for up to 24hrs. Results may vary.
• Pepcid AC Acid Reducer (Chewable Tablets)
  Active Ingredient: Famotidine
  Cost: $9.59 for 30 chewable tablets
  Provides instant as well as sustained relief for chronic sufferers. This is a good choice for sudden onsets of Acid Reflux when instant relief is needed. Relief can last for up to 24hrs. Results may vary.
• Axid AR (Acid Reducer) Tablets
  Active Ingredient: Nizatidine
  Cost: $15.49 for 50 tablets
  Provides sustained relief. Generally not for chronic Acid Reflux sufferers, but for relief of anticipated heartburn related to eating. (Take 1-2 hours prior to meals.)
• Prilosec OTC Tablets
  Active Ingredient: Omeprazole magnesium
  Cost: $10.99 for 14 tablets - 28ct. $14.99 - 42ct. $24.99
  Highly effective for chronic heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease. The dose needed can vary from person to person, some needing one tablet per day, and other only needing one tablet twice per week or every other day.

While the above work well for more severe cases, for less frequent sufferers I would recommend Rolaids Extra Strength, Alka-Seltzer or Tums Ultra. These can provide instant relief for those stressful Monday mornings at the office as well as the Thai food you ate on Saturday night. These inexpensive heartburn remedies can also be very helpful for chronic Acid Reflux conditions when sudden onsets are unexpected. It’s always a good rule to have a nice sized bottle of chewable antacids on hand.

For great savings on prescriptions as well as OTC medication and discreet browsing right from your home computer, shop the medicine cabinet at drugstore.com!

Prescription Medication
When the afore mentioned OTC remedies are insufficient in providing relief, consult your physician regarding further treatment. The following medications may be recommended by your doctor. As the prices of these medications vary, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about them if he doesn’t them. Your doctor may offer you an effective but expensive prescription when more affordable alternatives are out there.

• Nexium
  Free Medical Consultation, No Prescription Required, FedEx Next Day Shipping
  Cost: $174.00 for 30 2omg tablets, discounts available for larger orders.
  Supply good for 30 to 90 days.
  The most effective Acid Reflux (GURD) treatment on the market. A bit pricey, but worth the cost for total relief.
• There are other prescription Acid Reflux remedies available, but Nexium is by far the most effective product on the market.

If you prefer to shop around a bit for prices on Nexium, please feel free to visit our affiliate pharmacies below.

• drugstore.com - Prescription Required, Free shipping on orders over $25.
• XLPharmacy - Prices fluctuate at this Canadian Pharmacy, but Nexium can often be cheaper at Canadian Pharmacies. A prescription is required.

Remember to always contact a physician before starting any treatment or purchasing any prescription medication online. This website is meant to be informational and is not to be used in place of your doctor’s advice.