A nonprescription version of Nexium, the most popular medicine for frequent, severe heartburn, has just gone on sale.
Drugmaker Pfizer Inc. Today said that over-the-counter Nexium 24HR is available for online orders at www.Nexium24HR.Com and will be in most retailers nationwide within three days.
The nonprescription version is a 20-milligram dose of "the purple pill," known chemically as esomeprazole.
Patients are to take one pill daily for up to 14 days, so it's sold in packages of 14, 28 or 42 pills, priced at about USD 15 to USD 30. Prescription Nexium, which will still be available in 20- and 40-milligram strengths, costs USD 260 a month or more, without insurance coverage.
