Im in trouble I think, health wise

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

Kapidex

This shit is the most expensive drug I have ever take at ~$4 / pill! Total fricking BS. I start tonight but I am not happy.

Might help a bit but Kapidex is EXTREMELY similar to Prevacid. Basically the patent on Prevacid is coming to an end and Kapidex is the new semi-different version that they rushed out to have a PPI to sell at $5 a pop. The difference is essentially in how it's delivered to the system (pretty sure Kapidex has a slower delivery system).

I'd recommend mentioning it to your doctor and seeing if he had a problem with you taking two of the smaller dose Prevacid a day (around $0.25 a pill) instead. There is nothing revolutionary about Kapidex and it's just a patent extender like Nexium was for Prilosec.

[BYU 14]

Good news considering and glad to hear it is nothing worse. I would piggyback on what Rainmaker said and see if Prevacid is a suitable replacement.

[Lathum]

Flash- My dad has been a pharmacist for 50+ years, lemme know if you want me to ask him about any generics or advice about other meds that you can then bring back to your doctor and ask him.

[Rizon]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

and the verdict is:

IBS with small ulcers in my stomach (which could lead to a bigger ulcer) and I have stomach tissue coming up into my esophagus.

All stress related. I go see him in 2 weeks to see if he wants to put me on stress related meds.

Better than the worst case scenario but still not happy about the ulcers in my stomach.

IBS isn't fun, I have it, but you learn to live with it.

[Flasch186]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Flash- My dad has been a pharmacist for 50+ years, lemme know if you want me to ask him about any generics or advice about other meds that you can then bring back to your doctor and ask him.

YES please...will the prevacid X 2 solution work? The Erosive Esophagus seems to be the curveball.

[Maple Leafs]

Summary of thread:
Flasch186: Hey everyone, I think I'm in trouble health-wise. Here are my symptoms.
Everyone: Doesn't sound too bad, you'll probably be fine.
Flasch186 (months later): Turns out I'm mostly fine.
Everyobdy: That's awesome because we actually all assumed you were dying.

Seriously, glad to hear you're relatively OK. I recently went through a similar diagnosis (just the esophagitis part) and am on Nexium pretty much permanently now. Shoot me a message if you want any support.

[TCY Junkie]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Summary of thread:
Flasch186: Hey everyone, I think I'm in trouble health-wise. Here are my symptoms.
Everyone: Doesn't sound too bad, you'll probably be fine.
Flasch186 (months later): Turns out I'm mostly fine.
Everyobdy: That's awesome because we actually all assumed you were dying.

Months ago I drew names of people to befriend and the first one I drew was Flasch. I realized he was dying and abandoned the plan. The plan is dead, remember that I don't want to be friends when I tell you this. Glad you're okay.

[stevew]

Every time my mouse pointer goes across this thread and I see "black tarry stool" I want to vomit.

[JediKooter]

That's good news Flasch. Lay off the spicy chicken wings!!! That shit will burn from both ends.

[Lathum]

Hey flasch. So I talked to my dad and uncle who is a doctor. Basicaly doctors are pushing this drug because ut us the cheapest and there is no generic.

[Karlifornia]

Don't I win a prize for earliest diagnosis?

Seriously, though, I'm glad it's nothing awful, Flasch.

[Flasch186]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Hey flasch. So I talked to my dad and uncle who is a doctor. Basicaly doctors are pushing this drug because ut us the cheapest and there is no generic.

did he say anything about taking one of the other similar drugs that I might have to take twice a day?

[RainMaker]

Flasch, I talked to my brother who is a biochemist (finishing his PHD right now) and has worked at Abbott for a number of years.

First he said to go to their site because they'll give you a pretty big discount on the drug ($55 off each refill).

https://www.kapidex.com/kapidexadvantage.aspx

He also said that they are really similar and Kapidex is basically the same active ingredient. The difference is that it's coated a different way so that it releases twice. So basically 2 Prevacids would give you the same active ingredients. He did say it was missing something that was in the Prevacid that may or may not reduce the side effects. Apparently the major trial that they used to get FDA approval showed the same results as people taking Prevacid.

The other thing he mentioned is that you can contact the drug company and tell them you want to take their medicine but can't afford the current costs. He said they almost always have programs in place for either major rebates or discounts on new drugs. They want people to switch over to it because word-of-mouth advertising is good and if the drug can become the norm for people with GERD, it's a good thing. He said Abbott used to do this with Humira and other stuff they wanted to get popular.

In any event, definitely ask your doctor first but that's the perspective from someone in the industry. There may be a specific reason your doctor wants you on Kapidex over Prevacid.

[Flasch186]

thanks man. I signed up for the rebate BUT it says that that program expires 3/31/10 so that has me a bit worried...I used it this time since my own insurance doesnt cover that drug. Thanks for the info regarding all of the other options, it is extremely helpful.