Wheres My Prilosec OTC?
Prilosec OTC, the country’s bestselling over-the-counter heartburn medication, has been in short supply for more than three months, pharmacists and consumers report. Both large chain stores and independent pharmacies say they are receiving less of the medication than before. And when the product reaches the shelves, it quickly sells out. Why Distributor Procter & Gamble underestimated demand for the acid reflux drug, which hit the over-the-counter market in September 2003, said company spokesman Kurt Weingand. “America’s stomachs are in much worse shape than we’d ever predicted,” he said. Help Is on the Way Weingand said supplies should start increasing in December and January. In the meantime, he suggested calling around to find out which local stores have it in stock. CVS has increased its inventory of other OTC heartburn medications, such as Pepcid AC and Zantac, said Mike DeAngelis, a spokesman for the chain. Strong Stuff Prilosec OTC and prescription-only Nexium, both made by Astr
