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GERD
It’s simple and convenient to pick up your GERD meds from NX Pharmacies
Renew your prescription for GERD medications such as omeprazole (Losec, Losec MUPS and Pyrocalm), lansoprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole as well as antacids and H2 antagonists.
It is so easy and convenient to manage the prescription drugs you use to treat your GERD, acid reflux and indigestion with NX Pharmacies.
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD )?
Acid reflux is a digestive disorder in which stomach contents travels back up the food pipe (esophagus) instead of staying in the stomach. Stomach contents are acidic and contain digestive secretions, so when they are regurgitated they irritate the food pipe causing heartburn.
It’s common to get heartburn from time to time after a heavy meal. But if you get severe heart burn and acid reflux every day (chronic acid reflux) it is described as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
GERD is really common, affecting one in six adult Canadians according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.
NX Pharmacies can fill your prescription for GERD meds and send them straight to your home or any chosen address. We deliver next day to major towns and cities in Canada.
What causes GERD ?
Acid reflux, heart burn and GERD are caused by a failure or weakness of the valve between the stomach and food pipe or swallowing tube. This valve is known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It opens to allow swallowing, and then it should close up again to stop stomach contents rising up the throat and esophagus.
Acid reflux occurs in some people for no obvious reason. But in other people it is more likely to happen after a meal of certain kinds of food or drink, commonly coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods and spices. Heavy meals can cause acid reflux, too.
Acid reflux causes heartburn, which is best described as a burning pain in the middle of the chest, behind the breastbone. Having acid reflux every day irritates the food pipe and this irritation can cause symptoms associated with GERD.
You are more likely to get reflux and heartburn if you are:
- overweight
- a smoker
- pregnant
- stressed or anxious
Some medicines prescribed for other conditions can cause acid reflux. These include:
- NSAIDs
- some antidepressants
- calcium channel blockers
- corticosteroids
Some people with hiatal hernia can experience acid reflux which results in GERD. This is because the hernia puts pressure on the stomach, causing the stomach contents to leak into the esophagus.
Do not stop taking medicines you have been prescribed without discussing it with a healthcare professional. If the acid reflux side effect from your meds is unbearable, talk with the doctor who prescribed them for you. They may prescribe something different, or they might prescribe meds that will help you to manage your acid reflux. Your pharmacist can also advise on adjustments to your medication regime that will ease your acid reflux symptoms.
If you have acid reflux and heart burn often for a long time and it is severe, it becomes GERD.
What are the symptoms of GERD ?
Acid reflux causes heart burn, a burning pain in the centre of the chest. It gets worse following a meal. Bending and lying down can make heart burn worse.
Having acid reflux every day irritates the food pipe and this irritation can cause other symptoms. People with GERD may have:
- frequent heartburn
- a lingering cough
- sore throat or pharyngitis
- hoarse voice
- a sour taste in the mouth
- wind and belching
- vomiting
- bloating
- bad breath
- hiccups
Complications of GERD
Unmanaged GERD can damage the esophagus resulting in:
- stricture (narrowing) of the throat
- esophageal ulcer
- bleeding of the esophagus
GERD can also cause changes to the lining of the esophagus (Barrett’s esophagus) which increases the risk of cancer. About 15 per cent of people living with GERD develop Barrett’s, so it’s worth getting screened for it.
GERD can worsen asthma and it can cause dental problems like tooth decay and cavities.
Are my GERD symptoms an emergency?
Heartburn can mimic a heart attack. If you know you have a heart condition your pain worsens with exercise but gets better with rest; or your pain seems to travel down your arms, dial 911.
if you get any of the following acid reflux symptoms, see a healthcare professional promptly:
- frequent vomiting and nausea
- losing weight
- food gets stuck in your throat
- red or tarry stools
What to do if you think you have GERD
First try some of the lifestyle changes recommended in the treatment section, and ask at a pharmacy for over-the-counter acid reflux remedies. They can sell you some antacids, which neutralize some of the acid in your stomach.
It can help to track your acid reflux symptoms and diet. You can show this to your doctor, and it may help you to work out what foods, drinks and situations trigger your acid reflux.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have had acid reflux for three weeks or more and over-the-counter medications have not helped.
How does a doctor diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD )?
When you see a doctor about acid reflux or heartburn, they will assess you for GERD if your symptoms are severe and chronic.
Some tests for GERD are to rule out stomach and peptic ulcers. You might have a barium X-ray of the stomach, and the doctor might commission a test of your breath or blood. This is to check for the presence of a bacteria, H. pylori , which is linked to ulcers. You might have an endoscopy, in which a small camera and light are put down your esophagus so your doctor can inspect it and your stomach and take some tissue samples for examination.
Your doctor might want to monitor the pH (acidity) of your esophagus using either a catheter or a capsule.
When you go to a GP with acid reflux, they will often prescribe a proton pump inhibitor. This reduces the amount of acid that your stomach makes. You usually take them for a couple of months, depending on the severity of your acid reflux.
If you continue to get acid reflux after your prescription has finished, go back to your GP, as you may need longer term medication to help you manage GERD.
How do I treat and manage my GERD?
GERD is a long-term condition, or chronic disease. This means that it can be treated, and then once the symptoms are under control, you’ll need to go on managing it. If you make lifestyle changes to help with your GERD, you will need to maintain them.
Medications that treat acid reflux and GERD
Antacids
Over-the-counter antacids are the first med that many people try for their acid reflux. They can be purchased from pharmacies and there are many antacids available. If you are not sure which is right for you, ask the pharmacist for advice.
Most antacids are alkalis, and they work by increasing the pH of your stomach, that is, making it less acidic.
Examples of antacids used to treat acid reflux are:
- aluminum hydroxide
- magnesium hydroxide
- calcium carbonate
- bismuth subsalicylate
If antacids and lifestyle changes do not help your symptoms, then make an appointment with your doctor.
H2-antagonists or blockers
H2-antagonists reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. They are prescribed for heart burn or acid reflux. Common H2-antagonists include:
- Cimetidine
- Ranitidine
- Famotidine
- Nizatidine
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
Your GP will prescribe a medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for acid reflux. Proton pumps are enzymes found in the lining of the stomach that make acid to digest food. Proton pump inhibitor drugs stop them from working, so there is less acid in the stomach.
You may get some side effects such as stomach pain, headache and diarrhea when you first start taking a PPI. These will pass, and you should start to feel better from acid reflux in two or three days. But if you are no better in two weeks, tell your GP.
There are lots of different PPIs, and if one does not work for you, then your GP will try another. Some PPIs that may be prescribed for acid reflux are:
- omeprazole (Losec, Losec MUPS and Pyrocalm)
- lansoprazole
- esomeprazole
- pantoprazole
- rabeprazole
How do I get medications for GERD ?
In Canada you can depend on NX Pharmacies for your prescription GERD meds. We serve all areas of Canada and can fill your prescription of GERD medication. We can help with renewals and refills. Our discretion is assured, and you can depend on us for authentic Health Canada-approved medications.
Even if you’ve been successfully managing your GERD for years, you can still benefit from the support of a doctor or pharmacist.
If something changes with your GERD , talk to your GP. And if your meds stop working, or you start to get uncomfortable side effects, ask for a medicines review. Your pharmacist may also be able to advise on managing side effects of your GERD meds.
How to manage GERD with lifestyle changes
Your GP may recommend some lifestyle changes to alleviate your GERD symptoms. Ask for support if you need help with implementing any of these lifestyle changes. Many lifestyle changes, such as leading an active life, eating a more healthy diet or quitting addictive substances, will help with general wellbeing, as well as relieving symptoms of GERD.
Take your GERD meds
It is likely that your GP will prescribe some meds to help you manage your GERD. Once your acid reflux is under control, you will need to continue taking these meds, otherwise your acid reflux and GERD will come back. Talk to your doctor if you would like to stop taking the medication prescribed for GERD.
If you are taking medication for any other condition, such as painkillers, check with your pharmacist to make sure they won’t affect your GERD medications, or make your GERD worse. You can always ask your doctor about your medications at any time, and the occasional medicines use review is a good idea.
Clothing and acid reflux
Clothing that is tight around the waist can make acid reflux worse. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing if you have GERD.
Eat right to avoid GERD
You may know that there are certain foods that trigger your acid reflux. Try to avoid eating these – but talk with your doctor to check that your diet is not becoming too restricted.
A schedule of smaller and more frequent meals (say four or six small meals rather than three larger meals) might ease your acid reflux and GERD.
Some foods and drinks that are linked to acid reflux include citrus fruit, chocolate, fatty foods, peppermint, tomatoes, coffee, spices and alcohol.
Sleep habits to help manage GERD
Finish eating for the day three to four hours before you want to go to bed. This may mean you have to eat dinner earlier in the day, or eat a light meal in the evening rather than a heavy one. Avoid eating foods that provoke your acid reflux in the hours before sleeping.
Sleeping on a foam wedge so that your head and chest are above the level of your waist may prevent acid rising from your stomach to your esophagus.
Stop smoking to alleviate GERD symptoms
People who smoke are more likely to have acid reflux as it can make the stomach increase acid production. So tobacco cessation may help reduce your GERD symptoms. If you need help with quitting smoking or other tobacco usage, ask your GP.
Keep your weight within healthy limits to manage GERD
If you are overweight or obese, consider losing some weight as part of your GERD management. Extra weight can press on your stomach, causing acid reflux. Your GP can help with a healthy, sustainable weight loss program.
Cut down on drinking to reduce GERD symptoms
Over-consumption of alcohol can make acid reflux and GERD worse. Talk to your doctor about how much you drink, even if you don’t think it’s excessive. Ask for help if you think you need to cut down.
Reduce stress to alleviate GERD
Ask your GP for advice on reducing stress and get treatment for any anxiety disorders, as this can contribute to acid reflux.
- Where can I learn more about living with GERD?
- Where can I buy authentic Canadian GERD medications?
- Why do my GERD meds look different?
- Do I need a valid prescription to order GERD meds?
- What is the best price online for GERD medications?
- What happens if my doctor changes my GERD prescription?
- How do I set up a new prescription with NX Pharmacies for my GERD medication?
- How can I refill my prescription for GERD drugs with NX Pharmacies?
- How will you ship my GERD meds?
Where can I learn more about living with GERD?
The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation has reliable information about managing and treating GERD. Another source of information about GERD is the health authority for your province or territory.
Where can I buy authentic Canadian GERD medications?
To be sure you are treating your GERD with genuine, non-counterfeit medications, get a prescription for GERD meds from your GP and then fill it at a licensed pharmacy, such as NX Pharmacies. For more advice on avoiding counterfeit drugs, see The Government of Canada’s information about counterfeit prescription drugs.
Why do my GERD meds look different?
Different pharmaceutical companies sell the same medication in different formats – for example, a different type of packaging, or a different colour of tablet. But the generic name of the drug (for example, omeprazole) will always appear somewhere on the packaging, even if the brand-name is different, and this should match the generic name on your prescription.
The different versions of the same drug are stringently tested to ensure they are bioequivalent, so you should be getting the same dose each time even if your pills or their packaging looks different.
If you have any questions about your GERD meds, please get in touch with us and we will do our best to help.
Do I need a valid prescription to order GERD meds?
Antacids, which you can use for mild, occasional heartburn, are available over the counter. But GERD is treated with PPIs, which you can only obtain with a prescription from your GP. If you think you need omeprazole to treat your acid reflux, see your doctor. They can prescribe meds to help manage GERD. You can then get the prescription filled at a pharmacy, such as NX Pharmacies.