My doctor (not my flight doc) wants to have me start taking Nexium for my acid reflux. Does anyone here know if I will be able to obtain (or maintain) a first class medical if I am taking Nexium?

 

You're probably OK, but you need to research it carefully before you see the AME. An active ulcer will ground you IIRC, but I doubt acid reflux alone is a problem.

These guys have medication info on their web site:

http://www.aviationmedicine.com/

 

I use Prilosec and it works pretty good. Plus it's over-the-counter and probably cheaper than prescription meds.

 

Thanks for the responses. That is a good link. I've used the Prilosec before and I agree it does the trick but my insurance will pay for the Nexiom so it would actually be cheaper than the Prilosec. That is why I am considering taking it.

 

I took Nexium for a while, but it was costing me $30 a month. My flight doc gave me the prescription! IT was the best thing ever..I never even thought of heartburn/reflux when I was taking it. now I am stuck with pepcid complete once again due to the cost of nexium.

 

Gunner,

Taking Nexium for acid reflux in of itself is not a problem in maintaining your medical. As a flight doc / ATP / A&P / CFII / MEI blah blah blah I always look for a NON Prescription solution first. Taking medicine is a knee jerk reflex by many physicians. I would rather pick your brains and history to find out if there is something in your diet - ie coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, etc. that might be the cause of the problem. Another option is a very simple blood test for a bacteria - H. Pylori - that is an infection and can cause acid reflux symptoms. Taking Nexium or any other "Band Aid" prescription will only mask your symptoms and NEVER cure the problem. I cannot begin to tell you how many patients I have worked with that actually had the H. Pylori infection and had been given prescription after prescription for their "Heartburn" without good control and the doc never ordered the blood test for H.Pylori. IF you have that infection a short duration treatment with combo antibiotics can eliminate the problem and NO meds are required afterward unless you get reinfected - ie from a spouse or significant other who may have the same infection. I also agree with the suggestion of over the counter meds first before a prescription drug is tried. If you do need prescription medication then have your doc write for a generic equivalent first off of the Wal Mart / Target $4.00 list.......much cheaper than the co-pay for some of the brand name meds. Good luck.

 

Good point, didn't someone get the Nobel Price in Medicine fairly recently for discovering that many stomach ulcers were caused by a bacterial infection?

 

maybe i need a new doc. . .