Heartburn Medications Covered
- Antacids (fast relief): Tums, Rolaids, Gaviscon — $5–$8
- H2 Blockers (moderate): Pepcid (famotidine) — $8–$14
- PPIs (strongest): Prilosec OTC, Nexium 24HR, Prevacid — $14–$22
Which Type is Right?
Occasional heartburn: Antacids work in minutes. Weekly heartburn: H2 blockers (Pepcid) last 12 hours. Frequent heartburn: PPIs work 24 hours but need 1–3 days to reach full effect.
Warning: Don't take PPIs longer than 14 days without doctor supervision. Long-term PPI use may affect calcium absorption and B12 levels.