Can't afford PPI meds after years of taking

Why did you have them - was it for relief of reflux or because of something like barrett's oesophagus or an ulcer? If the latter things, you really need to speak to a doctor about coming off the meds first. I appreciate this may not be easy without the health cover.

?You would have to wean off these meds gradually if possible. It will cause rebound reflux so in between stretching out and reducing the doses you may need to add in other anti reflux meds from a pharmacy - maybe speak to the pharmacist?

I'm not qualified to advise you what to do for your circumstances, but I stopped taking these sorts of meds as they gave me severe stomach pains and they can have other side effects, though some people are required to take them for ulcers and barretts.

DouglasM,

?I had to look up what PPI's were.  I'm not sure what the side affects are, but you can take 1 tsp of baking soda in a glass of water to alleviate excess acid and acid reflux.  Another thing to consider is staying on a low fat - alkaline diet. (nothing high in fat and nothing acidic.)  Drink a lot of water to keep the acid levels in the stomach down.  Also, do not lie down right after eating. 

?You can contact your  county to see if you are elligible for insurance aid.  That will help pay for your medication and doctor visits.    I hope this helps. 

not sure where you are but there are other drugs that do the same job. I buy omeprazole at Costco and it's about $15 for 42 20mg pills.

You can also take famotidine or ranitidine.

Try not to eat after a certain time. Keep your head raised when sleeping.

Next time you're insured get an endoscopy to see if it's a hiatal hernia causing the reflux. That's an easy fix surgically.

Prevacid is OTC lansaprozole.. Is it available in your area? Here in the US it looks like it's a little less than $25 for 42 pills (15mg/pill). It is a pain to go cold turkey, but it's doable - it's best to wean yourself off if you can.