Not very much, according to a new report by Consumers Union.

The consumer advocacy group, which publishes Consumers Reports, argues that over-the-counter Prilosec is just as effective in treating heartburn and acid reflux disease as prescription drugs, such as Nexium, which cost almost 10 times more. Both drugs are made by AstraZeneca and you can read some history here about the flap this created a few years ago.

“Many people with heartburn and acid reflux could save $1,000 to $2,000 a year by taking an over-the-counter drug that’s just as effective as high-priced prescription drugs,” said Gail Shearer, director of the Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs project.

The OTC version of Prilosec costs $19 to $26 a month on average nationwide, the group reports, and may cost ess at some large discount stores. By contrast, Nexium, which is widely marketed as the Purple Pill, costs $181 to $193 a month, on average, depending upon dose. And Prevacid costs $131 to $186 a month, although both medicines may cost somewhat less at large discount stores.

The report, which the group says is based on a detailed evaluation of scientific evidence, maintains that none of the three proton-pump inhibitors is any more effective than the others in treating heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. Nonetheless, this group of drugs is among the most widely prescribed in the country.

As the stomach turns…..

[tags]AstraZeneca, GERD, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec[/tags]