AGA Panel: Non-Prescription Treatments First Choice for Heartburn

FT. WASHINGTON, Pa.-- Leading gastroenterologists have concluded that the majority of the 61 million Americans who suffer from heartburn can effectively relieve their symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medications, rather than expensive prescription (Rx) medications like proton pump inhibitors (e.g. Nexium or generic esomeprazole and Prilosec or generic omeprazole). In fact, as many as 7 out of 10 heartburn sufferers can effectively treat their symptoms with OTC products. These results clearly underscore the value of products currently available without a prescription.

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) consensus panel convened to review clinical evidence and offer physicians recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Heartburn is a symptom of GERD. The consensus panel, using evidence-based evaluations of clinical data determined that OTC heartburn medications may provide rapid, safe and effective relief even for people experiencing heartburn two or more times a week. In fact, only 3 out of 10 of these individuals would require a physician's visit. The panel recommended that consumers treat their episodic heartburn with OTC products and only consult a physician if they experienced "severe, frequent or prolonged symptoms" for more than four weeks. While generally recognizing non-prescription products as a first line treatment choice, the consensus panel specifically found that the combination H2 blocker/ antacids, currently only available OTC as Pepcid Complete, provided the most effective heartburn symptom relief.

"Optimal treatment options for GERD and heartburn have long elicited debate among physicians," says James W. Freston, Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology) and Director of Clinical Research at The University of Connecticut Health Center.

"Now these recommendations from the AGA provide new guidance for the treatment of heartburn and help to clarify a sufferer's choices. They clearly state that in a majority of cases, OTC medication is the right answer."

Heartburn occurs as a result of inappropriate relaxation of the muscular valve at the lower end of the esophagus, or food pipe, which normally serves to keep acidic juices in the stomach. Acid from the stomach flows up into the esophagus causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat, sometimes leaving an acidic or bitter taste in the mouth. Certain foods may trigger heartburn such as coffee of any type, fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint and alcohol. Heartburn can usually be treated and prevented through lifestyle changes, as well as with medication.

"This is great news for heartburn sufferers," says Steven R. Peikin, MD, head of Gastroenterology and Department of Liver Disease at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center and professor of medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and author of Gastrointestinal Health. "These findings indicate that many sufferers may not have to rush to prescription medication. We've now confirmed that you can effectively treat episodic heartburn with OTC products for up to four weeks; if the heartburn symptoms are controlled, maintain OTC therapy. In fact, Pepcid Complete, which combines antacids and H2 blockers, was found to be the best way to manage heartburn," added Dr. Peikin.

Pepcid Complete, which has been available since January 2001.

Share this article: Email, Slashdot, Digg, Del.icio.us, Yahoo!MyWeb, Windows Live Favorites, Furl
Add this article feed to: RSS, My Yahoo, Newsgator, Bloglines