If you’re looking at treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you may want to learn more about omeprazole (Prilosec).

Omeprazole is a generic medication that’s used in adults and some children. The drug comes in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) forms for conditions caused by too much acid in your stomach. Prescription omeprazole treats conditions that require diagnosis and supervision by a doctor, including:

OTC omeprazole treats symptoms of frequent heartburn that may not require supervision by a doctor.

Omeprazole belongs to a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors.

Prescription omeprazole comes in two forms. These include a capsule that’s taken by mouth and packets of granules that you mix into a suspension (a type of liquid mixture) before swallowing.

The OTC forms of omeprazole include capsules, tablets that you swallow, and dissolving tablets that melt in your mouth. It’s important to note that OTC omeprazole is not approved for the same uses as the prescription versions of omeprazole. If you have questions about which form is best for your condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

All forms of omeprazole are delayed-release. (A delayed-release medication slows the release of the drug until after it passes through your stomach. This keeps the drug from being broken down by your stomach acid.)

Keep reading for details on omeprazole and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

This article talks about the prescription capsule form of omeprazole. For more details on omeprazole, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for omeprazole can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use.

To find out how much you’ll pay for omeprazole, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about omeprazole and cost.

Does the cost of omeprazole capsules depend on the strength I use (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg)?

Yes, the cost of omeprazole can vary with the strength. But the cost difference is usually minimal.

If you have health insurance but your insurance provider doesn’t cover prescription omeprazole, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you can use over-the-counter (OTC) omeprazole. This may be a lower-cost option.

What’s the price of omeprazole without insurance?

Without insurance, the price of omeprazole can vary. There are resources available that may help lower the cost of omeprazole. For more details, see the “Can I get help paying for omeprazole?” section below.

To learn how much you’d pay for omeprazole without insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may also be able to suggest other ways you can save money on omeprazole.

Omeprazole is available as a brand-name version called Prilosec. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

To find out how the costs of Prilosec and omeprazole compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If your doctor has prescribed omeprazole and you’re interested in using Prilosec instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. In addition, you’ll need to check with your insurance provider. This is because it may only cover one drug or the other.

It’s important to note that the over-the-counter (OTC) form of omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) isn’t recommended for long-term use. But if your doctor prescribes omeprazole for you long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

  • Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of omeprazole if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of omeprazole. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor or insurance provider.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for omeprazole. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of omeprazole or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how you can pay for omeprazole, you may also want to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you still have questions about the cost of omeprazole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for omeprazole.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • Would the over-the-counter form of omeprazole cost less than the prescription form?
  • What should I do if I can’t afford my medication?
  • Are there lower-cost options that could treat my condition?
  • Are there dietary changes I could make that might reduce my need for omeprazole?

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.