Transition from Prevacid to Prilosec

[Anonymous]

Our ped has suggested we go to the prilosec compound – as he is rejecting the prevacid through his g-tube. I have finally found a compounding pharmacy – only one takes Christian insurance in this area.

My questions are – is there anything that I can expect during the transition? (like does it take the same 2 weeks as prevacid to work) Does it still need to be given 30 min prior to feed? Are there any different side effects than we are used to already?

I am going to get the script filled today so I plan on asking the pharmacy the same questions – but around here even the docs don’t recognize the 30 minute rule…so reality check from the moms here would be great.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

You don’t have to worry about timing meals. You can give it whenever. I don’t think there’s supposed to be a “wait period” b/c he’s already been on a PPI, but that being said, we did the opposite switch and the results weren’t immediate (but Hailey hadn’t been taking her losec properly before). As for side effects, prilosec is generally a very well tolerated drug. We had no side effects the whole time Hailey was on it, though I’ve always wondered if the constipation was related. Make sure to ask them to compound it for you as per the Marci-kids rules since you’re giving it through the tube anyhow. Good luck. I hope it works well for him.

[Anonymous]

Since you are already changing to omeprazole (the drug in Prilosec), it would be much better for you to get a script for Zegerid instead. It is basically an FDA approved version of what your doctor wants to switch your child to. It is not a new drug, it is simply an immediate-release version of the same drug. In fact, pharmacies are not even supposed to be making compounds like that now that Zegerid is available, since the recipe is covered by a patent. The compounds made by pharmacies have been consistently shown to become unstable in a very short period of time. If your pharmacist or doctor disagrees with this, you should ask them for studies that show that these formulations are stable – they will have none. If you have any questions about any of this, feel free to email me: [email protected].

[Anonymous]

Hi Laura-

We just switched from prevacid solutabs to prilosec compound and I’m sorry to say, it’s been a disaster. My son has never woken up in the middle of the night and he’s doing it constantly, has screaming fits, and is arching like mad. He also has a hard time doing anything activity related-i.e. exersaucer, tummy time, or sitting. It’s only day 6 so far but we’re far from happy.

Just thought I’d warn you as we may be making a switch to Zegerid as well.

Good luck.

Tracy

[Anonymous]

We switched from a compound protonix to prevacid solutabs before and there was a wait period. Though it was not as bad as completely uncontrolled reflux!

[Author]

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