First Over-The-Counter Store Brand Omeprazole Offering in U.S. Market Creates New Option for Frequent Heartburn...( New Store Brand Omeprazole Delayed R...),Health

New Store Brand Omeprazole Delayed Release Tablet, 20 mg Delivers the Same Medicine at the Same Dose as Prilosec OTC(R), but More Cost Effective for

Nearly 30 Million Frequent Heartburn Sufferers Nationwide

ALLEGAN, Mich., March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning early March 2008, the nearly 30 million frequent heartburn sufferers nationwide will have a new treatment option available to them as retailers begin selling store brand Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that will treat the same frequent heartburn symptoms as Prilosec OTC(R) at a significant cost savings for consumers.

"It is estimated that consumers could save more than $100 million annually by using store brand Omeprazole," says Fred Eckel, professor at the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy and editor-in-chief of Pharmacy Times. "The savings will be even greater [up to 90%] for those whose insurance carriers no longer cover prescription Prilosec(R) or generic prescription Omeprazole."

"Store brand Omeprazole - which delivers the same medicine at the same dosage as Prilosec OTC(R) - is another example of how store brand over-the- counter medicines provide high quality healthcare products that are more affordable for consumers," says A. Mark Fendrick, MD, practicing internist and value-based healthcare specialist at the University of Michigan.

According to a new survey,(1) 85% of the adults suffering from frequent heartburn in the last six months report taking a prescription or over-the- counter medication to manage it. Sixty-three percent take over-the-counter medications (other treatment methods include Rx medications at 29%, changing diet at 22%, losing weight at 16% and reducing stress at 8%).

Frequent heartburn is an issue that affects lifestyle, as well, according to this new survey. Of those who experience frequent heartburn issues, 42% report sleeping troubles, 31% miss being able to eat/drink what they want, 31% have had throat issues (co
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