Lower cost options available for popular acid reflux drugs

You may never have heard of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) but chances are good you are familiar with the names Nexium or Prevacid. These are just two brand name PPIs that are broadly marketed and prescribed to reduce acid production by the stomach, effectively treating ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux.

"Medical studies reviewed by the U-M Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee led to the conclusion that all PPIs have similar effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, preventing relapses and healing esophagitis," said Dr. James Scheiman, gastroenterologist and professor in the Department of Internal Medicine. "Additionally, there were no major differences among PPIs for side effects, and effectiveness did not vary by age, race, sex or presence of other diseases."

Starting on July 1, brand name PPIs will be classified as Tier 3 drugs in the U-M Prescription Drug Plan. That means they will continue to be available but at a greater co-pay of $24. The plan's preferred PPI will be the generic drug, omeprazole, which will be available at the lowest co-pay amount offered by the plan, currently $7.

"Because the medical evidence shows omeprazole to be similarly effective and safe as the brand-name medications, it will become our preferred drug for the treatment of excess stomach acid," says Keith Bruhnsen, associate director of benefits and manager of the U-M Prescription Drug Plan. "About 6,000 people covered by a U-M medical plan take a PPI, so choosing a generic medication is a safe and simple way to reduce prescription costs for the University and for a large number of patients."

For more information on the switch to generic PPIs, visit www.umich.edu/~benefits/plans/drugs/updates.

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