Lower-cost substitute for Zegerid

My doctor prescribed Zegerid for acid reflux. It contains omeprazole plus sodium bicarbonate. My pharmacist says I can take OTC omeprazole plus baking soda and get the same results for less money. A 30-day supply of the prescription is $129.

The pharmacist gave you money-saving advice. Make sure she tells you how to substitute the dose of house-brand omeprazole and the baking soda so they parallel the doctor’s prescription. Be careful not to overuse baking soda, since this could provide too much sodium.

My daughter had warts on her toes when she was 7 years old. We tried everything, and none of it worked. Then the doctor asked me to soak my daughter’s feet and hands in hot water every night, gradually warming the water to between 108 and 110 degrees. After several weeks the warts started going away. I couldn’t believe that it worked!

The hot-water treatment for warts was first published in a 1962 Cleveland Clinic Quarterly. More recently, dermatologist Samuel Moschella recommended that his patients soak their plantar warts in hot water (110 to 113 degrees) for 30 to 90 minutes a week. Your experience suggests he was right.

I have been using Epsom salts for the past two weeks to treat my rosacea, and the results are amazing! Since the first day, the redness went away, the pores got smaller and the oiliness disappeared.

I put about 1/4 cup Epsom salts in some warm water. I use a sponge to put it on my face and chest in the shower. After a couple of minutes, I’m done.

Thanks for this interesting suggestion. Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate. We could find no research to support this approach, but it seems inexpensive and low-risk.

Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon is an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition. https://www.peoplespharmacy.com.