What are heartburn and acid reflux?
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest that happens when stomach acid comes back up into the esophagus (the tube between your mouth and stomach). When it happens often, it’s called acid reflux or GERD.
Common triggers include big or late meals, fatty or spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, smoking, being overweight and pregnancy. Some medications can also make it worse.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Common symptoms
- Burning in the chest, often after eating or when lying down
- A sour or bitter taste in the back of the throat
- Bringing food or liquid back up
- A cough or hoarse voice that’s worse in the morning
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask how often it happens, what you’ve tried, and check your other medications and for warning signs that need a doctor.
They may prescribe a medication that lowers stomach acid, such as a proton pump inhibitor or an H2 blocker, and explain the best time of day to take it. We’ll also suggest practical changes: smaller meals, not eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, and raising the head of your bed.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Pantoprazole (Tecta, Pantoloc), omeprazole (Losec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Pariet) or dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which lower stomach acid
- Famotidine (Pepcid)an H2 blocker, good for occasional heartburn
- Famotidine with calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide (Pepcid Complete)fast relief plus longer-lasting acid control
- Antacids with calcium carbonate (Tums), or aluminum and magnesium hydroxidequick relief after meals
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Many acid-reducing medicines are on the shelf, but drug plans often cover them when they’re prescribed. That can save a lot if you take one regularly.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- It’s hard or painful to swallow, or food feels stuck
- You’re losing weight without trying
- Heartburn started for the first time after age 50
- You’ve needed treatment for more than a few weeks, or it keeps coming back
- You’re pregnant and over-the-counter options aren’t helping
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- Chest pain or pressure, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, or pain in the arm, jaw or back. Call 911, as it could be your heart
- Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.