Kapidex-new PPI

  • Thread starter Thread starter fairytaleDreams
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I can't speak for everyone, but I know I had in-depth conversations with my GI doc about my course of treatment. I've since also confirmed with my PCP that the course I'm on is good.

I was on 60 mg of Prevacid per day prescription. In my case, the solutab version seemed to work the best. The OTC versions are 15 mg. I would have to take 4 of those per day and they aren't in the form that was most effective for me.

I tried the Kapidex 60 mg in samples first. It was as effective as the Prevacid for me and I only had to take one per day. I really appreciated this because timing my evening dosage to take it in the right time increment prior to dinner was a pain due to my work hours. I discussed the cost of Kapidex with my GI doc. He gave me a coupon. Copies are also available on their internet website. Basically, my co-pay for Kapidex would be $55. With the coupon that my pharmacy keeps on file, I pay $5 per month. The coupon is renewable yearly. That $5 is so much cheaper than taking any other prescriptions or even buying OTC. So I'm in a win-win because I only have to take the Kapidex once a day and because it is cheaper.

I certainly advocate people trying the OTC versions of reflux medication first. I also advocate people trying different PPI's to find what works best for them. Some of the ones that have been out a while are not available generic. Typically the "newest" PPI's are the ones that aren't covered by insurance or are non-formulary and they cost the most. They aren't always the "best" though. I worked with my GI doc over the years and tried every other PPI on the market (for extended perioRAB) before ending up on the Kapidex. It works best for me.
 
I'd like to know to, even tho Prevacid didn't work for me and Nexium has been the best of the bunch I'd try it as the formula may just be a little different to maybe work.
 
I'm currently on Nexium twice daily which isn't helping so the doctor added Prilosec AC in addtion. That doesn't seem to help either so he told me to take an additional antacid. Maalox doesn't work and now I'm trying Gaviscon. My major symptoms are pain in my upper chest the right side of my neck. I also feel funny when I'm swallowing. Do you have any of those symptoms? Let me know - thanks.
 
My gastro doc gave me a sample of Kapidex 60 mg yesterday. Actually, the Prevacid solutab worked best for me because I could titrate the dosage (a little goes a long way with me). I have not started the new med yet - still working up the courage because of PPI side effects. PPI's work great for me in treating the GERD and Barrett's Esophagus (no dysplasia yet). However, I have a long history of side effects and PPI intolerance (insomnia, irritability, rock hard stool leading to bleeding in the colon). I can't take any chances with hard stools because I had left descending colon resection apx. 4 months ago (decades of dicerticulosis/diverticulitis). As this thread grows, I would appreciate comments from others who have similar side effects from PPI's and what their experiences are with the dual release mechanism of Kapidex. Many thanks in advance!
 
I would like to hear how you feel on it too.I had been getting samples of Prevacid for the past 3 years and they ran out. The reps stopped bringing them. Since it's $200 for a month's supply, I started taking Prilosec and got nauseous with the worst stomach pains and gas. I managed to get a few samples of Prevacid, took one last night and feel great from just ONE pill. Now I hear they are taking it off the market and I am so upset. I saw the difference in the ingredient, sounRAB basically the same with a few added letters and I got some samples of it (Kapidex). I hope its not much stronger, being it's 60 mg. instead of 30 because if I ever want to wean off it, this would be harder. I hope it doesn't give me side effects because Prevacid did not. Please let us know how you feel when you start it. I guess I have no choice now but to switch also because I can't afford 200 a month.
 
I'm right there with Gaugreg1x. He presents the information very well.

Prevacid was the only PPI that had any effect for me. For some reason, I had the most success with taking the 30 mg dosages twice a day in the Solutab version instead of the pill. When I switched to the 60 mg Kapidex, I've had basically the same results as when I was taking the Solutabs twice per day. I use that same coupon he talked about and save $45 on each prescription.
 
Hi diadr,
Are you saying that we can get the same effect as Kapidex by taking a regular PPI twice a day instead?

I have LPRD (not GERD). Nexium is the only thing that has worked for me, but I have been taking a double dose once a day (taking a single dose twice a day didn't work for me). However, the Nexium has not been 100% effective, and I still have a sore throat all the time. I'm a singer, and this really affects my ability to sing.

My GI suggested trying Kapidex. I've been taking 60mg in the morning for 4 days. It does seem to last longer than the Nexium did, but by the next morning my symptoms are worse than they were with the Nexium (chest pain, sore throat). I'm wondering if it's safe to take it twice a day?
 
I'm not sure mixing your meRAB is such a good idea. I was on Nexum for about 1 year after test I begain taking Nexium 2 times a day. Ph test showed acid to be over 100 when it should be around 14. Now I had reaction to Nexium, I have to go 5 days to get the med out of my system before I starte Kapidex. Food for thought.
 
Go to the website for Kapidex. They have a program going on now wher eyou get it for like $25 a month. I am on my second month of this, as my insurance (BCBSFL) does not cover it at all. This is not a need based program. Greg
 
Kapidex has the same active ingredient as Prevacid. The main difference is the delivery system. It has a dual delayed release system.

The Kapidex comes in 30 or 60mg. That might be something you want to ask your doctor about if you would feel more comfortable on the lower dosage.

I started taking it last Thursday. I'm still reserving judgement on how well it works. I'll keep you posted after I've been on it longer.

I've been on all of the other PPI's most didn't work at all. Taking Prevacid twice a day was the best of the bunch for me, but I still had bad symptoms on it as well at one point. Compared to the other PPI's, I really liked the solutab form of Prevacid 1/2 hour before meals.

I'm a bit unusual because I'm taking the Kapidex/ Prevacid in addition to having had the Nissen Fundoplication surgery.

I'd like to hear where you found out they are taking the Prevacid off the market. I can't find anything on the internet about that. I kind of like knowing I can fall back to it if I don't find the Kapidex as effective.
 
Hi Mountain, I didn't look it up under Prevacid but my dr. told me it's being replaced. If you look up Kapidex, it actually says that it's the reformulation of Prevacid. I didn't know that it comes in 30 mg. Thanks so much for telling me that. I plan to call the company tomorrow and speak to one of the reps. I sure don't want 60 mg. if I don't need it. They sell empty gelatin capsules so maybe I can halve it myself. The formula isn't identical, it has the word dex at the beginning and that's why I worry. Why couldn't they leave well enough alone...it was the only one that agreed with me. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see how you're doing on it. I would try it but now I am so sick from being off the Prevacid for a week (stupidly trying Prilosec, never been so sick in my life). I am sorry that you went through the surgery and still need meRAB. This condition is a royal pain!
 
I had some of this pain with Nexium, when it got really bad and rash on face, swollen hanRAB and feet some swelling in face. Doctor is changing me to Kapidex. I toke the Nexium twice a day. Call you Doctor, the symptomes most likely will get worse they didi for me. Oh yes I got a sore tail bone with a rash. Do a search and you will find lots of reactions I found one website that listed things I had no idea. A rash in moist warm areas. Listed chest pain listed, I toke the Nexuim for a year over looking a lot of the pain it caused, it just got worse. When I begain 2 times a day man, bad news, my mind went, I could not remeraber anything like I was in a fog. I was not sure it was the Nexium after all I had never had reflux before, now I know it was the Nexium, after being off for 2 days. waiting 5 days to starte the Kapidex Doctors orders.
 
I've been taking Kapidex 30MG 1x's a day for about 5 days now, and I'm still waiting for it to kick in. How long did you all take it before you started to see some improvement? My main problem right now is throat swelling, excess mucous, and shortness of breath because of it.

Michelle
 
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