nexium vs prilosec otc

My health insurance will not cover my Nexium, saying it has all the same ingredients that Prilosec OTC has. Prilosec OTC doesn't work for me. My question is "Do they contain all the same ingredients and amounts, and is it possible that one would work better than the other?

Thank You

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
Nexium contains esomerazole (isomer of omeprazole).
Prilosec contains omeprazole.

Though the basic ingredient is the same, they have different properties and studies have shown that esomeprazole works better than omeprazole..
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[ivan1801]

A related discussion, Nexium and Insurance was started.