Kapidex-new PPI

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oh wow I'm really glad I found this. I had no idea that there was an OTC version of Kapidex. I'll buy some next time I'm at the store and see how it works for me. I only have to pay $25 for a month's supply, but I'm a starving college student who just got prescribed a bunch of other meRAB yesterday (I have to pay 25 bucks for each one). I'm using my student loans to pay for the meRAB, so yeah... I'd rather find something cheaper...

anyway.. off track lol

I was sent to my ENT for ear problems but my referral also said "recurrent pharyngitis." He stuck a camera down my throat and said I had acid reflux, which had eroded the lining of my esophagus. He first told me to try try Prilosec for 5 months and it did absolutely nothing for me. I followed the diet restrictions to a T, and trust me.. it was really hard! haha. I was dissapointed that I'd had to hold back on everything I like to eat and my throat was still in an awful lot of pain. Then he prescribed Kapidex and within a month I could feel my throat getting better. I saw him last month and he also said that my throat looked better, so personally the Kapidex did work better than the OTC one. I only have 2 refills left on my prescription though so we'll see what he says after that
 
:wave: Greetings mountain . I am in an almost identical situation as you. I have had the Nissen about 12 years ago, and am on 2 PrevaciRAB a day. I just picked up some 60 mg Kapidex from my gi doc yesterday. Prevacid is going off patent in Noveraber. This is similar to when Prilosec came off patent and Nexium came out shortly before that.

Greg


QUOTE=MountainReader;3914474]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'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.

.[/QUOTE]
 
I know I'm sounding like a broken record around here, but how long have you given the Nexium and Prilosec? In the beginning when I was really miserable (chest pain, chest pressure, really sore throat and mouth), the ENT started me on Prilosec twice daily along with a shot of Gaviscon in the evenings. It took about a month before I started to feel markedly better, but this corabo did work for me. I'm pretty cynical about the hype surrounding the more expensive PPIs. (By the way, so is my ENT.) For every opinion that suggests that Kapidex is better, or Nexium is better, blah, blah, blah, you can find plenty of opinions that they're all about the same in terms of effectiveness. I could probably convince you that my mixed breed dog is the gold standard in dogs these days if I bought enough magazine advertising and spent a few millions on TV commercials. ;) Consumer Reports rated omeprazole (the generic Prilosec) as its "Best Buy" a while back for its corabination of effectiveness and affordability.

The more I hear folks' stories here and all of the discussion about one PPI vs. another, I also suspect there are plenty of other variables at play in how well the PPIs work for us. For the past week I've been feeling better and have eased up on not eating late in the evenings, avoiding caffeeine and chocolate, etc. Now I'm not feeling quite as well as I did earlier in the week, and I'm pretty sure it's not because the Prilosec quit working...I think it's because I quit working! :p
 
Hi, I need to make a correction on the price. I mistook a generic for "Pepcid" as being a generic for "Prevacid". I returned that to the Pharmacy and ended up filling the actual prescription the doctor gave me. The first time I went to the Pharmacy with the new prescription, I must have spoken to a terrible Pharmacist, she just told me to go to the OTC and thought the prescription read "20mg" so the only "20mg" option I found was for a "Pepcid" generic. That's a good lesson to learn: Make sure you get the RIGHT info from the pharmacist - even if they're in a bad mood or busy. It's your health, not theirs.

Anyway, the prescription was for 30mg and with my insurance coverage it ended up being $31. Still better than the $115 for Kapidex although the Kapidex was 60mg, although for some reason the Kapidex bottle DOES NOT state how much of the active ingredient is in the pills, it just says "Kapidex 60mg". The Prevacid generic specifically states there is 30mg of the active ingredient.

The OTC version of Prevacid was about $30 but it's formulated at 15mg, so it works out to be the same per mg (I would guess) as Kapidex, just without the need for a prescription. But so long as I'm covered by insurance, I can save 1/2 the cost. I don't understand why these medications are so expensive -- I think gastric acid or acid reflux issues are on the rise in the US and it's got to be unnecessary price gauging.

I asked the 2nd Pharmacist I talked to what the difference was between Kapidex and the generic for Prevacid and he said "nothing". So I asked him if maybe the timed release was the difference and he said the generic Prevacid he gave me was also a timed release and even went on to say that from what he's heard from other customers Prevacid works better for them than Kapidex.

I took it for the first time today. So far I don't notice a difference between Prevacid & Kapidex, even with 1/2 the dose. I have milder symptoms, and my issues may be in the large intestine rather than just stomach, so I'm not sure I'm the best to judge. I'll see if I notice any difference after a few days or week.
 
Greg,

Keep us posted on how it does for you.

Have you heard if the Prevacid will still be available in Solutab form when it goes off patent? I like knowing I can go back to it if the Kapidex isn't as effective for me.

If I could ask, how long did you find benefit after your surgery? When did you end back up on the twice a day PPI's? My GI doc has not allowed me to go off of, or reduce dosage of, the PPI's at all since I had the surgery last October.

I've had a bit of bloating and some occassional belching, but no major reflux symptoms. The surgeon said the belching is just air that doesn't make it through the wrap and is coming back up, but I'm not necessarily convinced of that. I do have some other digestive issues, but those are a result of trying Nexium for a month last June. The Nexium really messed up my gut long term.
 
My GI doc always encouraged me to stay on a PPI for at least 30 days to see how it will work for me.

I started off years ago with Prilosec. When it stopped being effective for me, I switched to Protonix which I was on for several years. I then tried Prevacid, Nexium, Aciphex, Zegrid and Kapidex. Prevacid worked for me extremely well for several years. Nexium was the worst medication I've ever taken. It made me extremely sick and I developed IBS after only being on it for a couple weeks--still having problems after 19 months off of it. Aciphex and Zegrid were OK, but didn't really do a lot for me. Throughout all of this, I had a modified diet and maintained my lifestyle changes.

I'm not necessarily an advocate for the "latest and greatest" or the most expensive being the best. If I were to meet someone who is experiencing reflux symptoms for the first time, I would say that going with the OTC PPI's would be a good start if diet and lifestyle changes don't work first. I'd be sure to let them know that PPI's work differently for each person and what works great for one person doesn't won't necessarily be the best for them.

I'm not sure my experience was typical. I went from having a chronic reflux cough to having a cough that got worse and worse and having severe breathing problems even while on medication. The cough was controlled by the various PPI's at one time or another until they stopped working and the cough got worse again and I moved on to the next PPI.

In my case, I was running out of options in my quest to find some relief from my reflux. When what had been effective for me just stopped, my reflux actually became a life-threatening thing, even while on twice per day PPI's, because the acid was irritating my lungs and triggering my asthma to the extent I actually needed emergency treatment because I couldn't breathe. When other options have been tried and found lacking, I'm all for trying something new. After many treatment approaches and tons of testing, I eventually went the surgical route. It was effective, but I am still on PPI's for life. I found the 60 mg/day of Prevacid to be the most effective of the group so I chose to stay on it until the Kapidex came out. I've found the Kapidex as effective and with the coupon it is much cheaper. It is also nice not having to take it twice a day.

By the way, the Nexium may be the "gold standard" PPI, but in my case it caused me horrible horrible side effects. Like I've said before, it really is an individual thing for everyone.
 
Hi all,
I went in for a GI follow-up appointment today and found out that Kapidex (dexlansoprazole) was released a couple weeks ago. It is available in 30 and 60mg. What is unique about Kapidex is that it is the first dual release PPI. The first release takes place 1-2 hours after it is taken and the second release at about 4-5 hours. It is supposed to be more effective at treating for a full 24 hours.

I've been taking Prevacid 30 mg twice a day. It doesn't fully work, but is the best of the bunch for me. I will be switching to the 60mg dose of Kapidex once a day. I'm hopeful that it works well. I'll keep you posted.

There are also vouchers available for the next year that will reiraburse for up to $55 per prescription for the next year. Maybe this will help my pocketbook for the next year also.

I'd love to hear any other experiences people have had with this. I think it is important to support each other when we find new things that may help.

Mountain Reader
 
Greetings again,
I have been on twice a day Prevacid for about one year. I have been on it once a day since shortly after the surgery 12 years ago. For me personally the surgery accompolished very litle symptom relief, if any.
I am not sure if the solutab would stop being produced, but I highly doubt it would be discontinued. Just because they have stopped sampling Prevacid, and it is coming off patent, does not mean they are ceasing production of it. I would be very surprised if it is not still offered.
Greg :wave:
 
is there a generic for Kapidex

$200 for a months supple and I am griping and quit taking my nexium because it went up from $35.00 for 3 months to 65. for 3 months and can't afford it.

But since my acid reflux is getting much worse and I was up throwing up last night might need to break down and spend the $65.00---however about thanksgiving the nexium seemed not to be working.
 
With my insurance and the Kapidex discount, which is good until next March, it is costing my $5 per month.

Prevacid Solutabs in the a.m. and p.m. were what I was on. It is basically the same medication with a different release. I like the idea of taking one pill per day.
 
No, the drug just came to market. It has patent protection for at least 15 years. Greg
 
I took my first dose of Kapidex 60 mg yesterday and was hurting big time by 5:30. Took a Prevacid out of desperation and in 1.5 hrs the pain was gone. I've been on Nexium for 5 weeks with not alot of improvement. Kapidex did a nuraber on my intestines soon after taking it (I guess a side effect for some) and I don't think that there was the second release in my system. I'll stay on Prevacid and take it twice a day. I hope that this works. This has been awful.
 
I'm sorry that you don't feel well but am I glad you wrote today. I have been taking Nexium twice daily for quite some time with some success. Anyway for the last four days I have forgotten my afternoon dose. Another issue is that my insurance is not going to pay for the Nexium any more. My issue is that I have been having some chest pains the last few days - today being the worst. Today I took a Prevacid in the morning. How long should I wait to eat breakfast after taking the pill? On the box it states to take just one pill - what was your dosage? Have you ever had that type of feeling before? I'd like to tell my husband but he thinks I'm a hypochondriac any way and then being Super Bowl Sunday...HELP ME! Thanks and hope you feel better. How long have you had this?

Sue
 
Dear Susan & MountainGirl?
Sorry I can't see the other name while writing on this post. I'm in a similar situation, but may have a little more information for you. I've been taking Prevacid 30 mg. along with Pepto Bismal for over 3 yrs., & the Prevacid is the ONLY thing that's worked for me. B/C, B/S put me through the wringer insisting I try everything else avaliable, even if it wasn't a PPI, and I have a Hiatal Hernia now. To be honest, I wonder about the rebound effect I've read about, because the initial heartburn wasn't too frequent, just so bad I couldn't even drink water. Anyway ladies, here's what I've found out, hopefully it will help you.
My last RX came with the name Lansoprazole DR 30mg. Caps.-Sandoz on it, but inside the bottle the pills still said Prevacid. The pharmacist said that happens when the drug companies time to produce under their name only has run out. Therefore generics can be offered. I went to my MD to say I would probably need a letter requesting prior authorization for name brand, and was given a sample of Kapidex. I've tried it for 5 days, the 1st 3 were fine, then I started having some heartburn, though not as bad as before. Quite frankly, I wasn't sure if it's what I've been eating with the holidays, or the change in how the drug works, because although it's dual action, it's missing 1 ingredient that Prevacid has.
Then I went to the website for Kapidex, only to find out they ARE the same company that is now making Prevacid, (with the note for Sandoz on the lable.)I wish I knew which was less expensive, AND I WISH THE KAPIDEX alone worked, because it won't go generic for a few years. Right now, I'm debating if it's worth a few more days trial, and having the pain increase, or simply HOPE that Sandoz was the original company manufacturing Prevacid a year ago..........but no, from what I understand, this particular company that makes Kapidex is a generic company owned by Prevacid. You can ask for the generic made by that company and not another so you know you're getting the same inactive ingredients as well, and the RX itself should not change a bit I'm told now by 2 pharmacists. Hope that helps, and if you hear anything else, please advise! Happy New Year!
 
Great response Mountain. I think what you, as well as I, are trying to get across is that in our particular circumstances, the Prevacid, then Kapidex worked very well. This is not to say this is the case for everyone. For others, Aciphex, or Nexium, or Prilosec etc. may work just as well or better in thier case. You may need to experiment a bit. PPIs do not work instantly,you need to gaibve them a week or two at least. Greg
 
They recommend taking most PPI's 1 hour before breakfast. If taking twice per day, take 1 hour before breakfast and 1 hour before dinner.

You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your dosages, but the OTC Prevacid is 15 mg. My Prevacid prescription was for 30 mg. a.m. and 30 mg p.m.
 
Greetings, let me clear up a few things. Kapidex is not a generic. It is made by TAP (Takeda) pharmaceutical who also manufactures Prevacid (at least the Rx form) . Kapidex (dexlansoprazole) is just a different isomer of Prevacid (lansoprazole). This is a typical response by a drug company when a drug is coming off patent (i.e Prilosec and Nexium) .
Kapidex is basically PREVACID , but it can be taken before eating like Prevacid, or with food. I know where you are coming from, Prevacid was the only PPI that worked for me..I was on it since it came out. I also am on BC-BS insurance. They will not pay for Kapidex, nor Prevacid (any more) since it went over the counter at lower strength.
Do not give up on the Kapidex. When I switched it took about 5-7 days to kick in. If your reflux is bad, which it appears, ask for the 60mg Kapidex. I was taking 2 of the 30 mg Prevacid daily. I now take one 60mg of Kapidex.
Good news..go to the Kapidex website and click on join the Kapidex advantage program and you should be able to get it for about $25 a month. This is a manufacturer program and I have no idea how long it will last. It is not need based,and has nothing to do with BC BS coverage. I have been using this since Kapidex cam out. PM me for any further info. Greg
 
I'm surprised not many people use Google to figure out what you just said.

When the specialist I've been seeing on my new gastro issues gave me Kapidex samples, I didn't think much of it until he prescribed it for me and I found out it was $115/mo (30 pills) where I live even after some coverage by insurance. It only took me minutes of a Web search to find out that the it contains the same exact active ingredient for a drug that went generic in Noveraber, Prevacid. The only difference is the delivery (dosage + timing). I got generic store brand of Prevacid OTC the other day for $8 for 25 pills, even cheaper actually because the pharmacy had a 2-for-1 sale. So, for the same exact med OTC was $0.16/pill and the prescription Kapidex $3.83/pill. 24x as expensive. Same medication.

On the follow-up visit after my upper endoscopy, I asked the doctor to prescribe an alternative to Kapidex. He seemed to not understand why. In fact, he wrote a prescription for Prevacid but the pharmacist said the prescription wasn't necessary and I could just go for the OTC version.

So... why would a gastro specialist prescribe something that costs 24x more than the same exact medication OTC? Also, if he's a specialist, wouldn't he know this? Should I seek out another gastro specialist?
 
as a family doc, this is ridiculous to see the drug companies getting FDA approval for a drug that is the exact same as before. Just another way to keep profits in the companies that fund the FDA. This medication is outrageously priced reformulation of prevacid that can be given at a better cost to the patient. i'm sure the drug rep dinners are shortly to come out to docs. say "no thank you to your doc" and start with the reliable cheaper generic drugs like protonix. Nexium is still best in GERD treatment and the gold standard for treatment.
 
Thanks for sharing that info, MR. Let us know how you do on it. It would be exciting to find a new med that actually controlled the acid around the clock!
Kassie
 
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