I have been taking Prilosec 20mg once a day for reflux. It works well, but when I try to skip a day the reflux returns immediately. Is there any harm in such long-term usage of Prilosec?

Arthur

The drug you are taking is extremely safe, with few or no side effects when taken daily for long periods. In fact, patients have used Prilosec in this and higher doses for 11 years without complications.

Reflux is a chronic disease, with the symptoms caused by the return of stomach acid into your esophagus. Drugs like Prilosec, which block the production of acid, do not eliminate the functional problem that causes GERD -- an abnormal lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle between the esophagus and stomach). But these drugs do neutralize enough acid to keep symptoms away while leaving enough acid to allow our bodies to function normally.

It is not unusual to need the medicine on a daily basis. Many people need lifelong therapy for reflux, just like hypertension or diabetes. Fortunately safe drugs (and, in some cases, surgery) are available to treat it.