Day 361- Larry the Cable Guy- Poster Child for Heartburn

Suffering from heartburn day after day is as unnecessary as wearing sleeves

Larry the Cable Guy

Actual user

When I saw the new adds for Prilosec OTC, heart burn medication, I was not shocked at all. I couldn't have selected a better voice for heartburn than Larry the Cable Guy.

"Deep fired, dipped and drenched in sauce- that's the type of food I serve at my tailgates," said Larry the Cable Guy. "The last thing I want to keep me from enjoying the game in my frequent heartburn. While taking Prilosec OTC for 14 days, I can be heartburn free on game day. I can eat what I like- I'm not afraid of a plate of smoky ribs, spicy hot wings or last down heartburn." - Larry the Cable Guy

The new advertisements debuted just in time for football season, showing men everywhere that it is alright for them to eat anything and everything that they want, because there is a magic pill that they can take to fix everything. It's the tailgating savior!

Well I hate to rain on the tailgating parade, but Prilosec is not really the magic pill Larry is making it out to be. According to PubMed, Prilosec OTC may result in the folowing symptoms:

• stomach pain

• diarrhea

• constipation

• gas

• nausea

• vomiting

• headache

• fever

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash

• hives

• itching

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• hoarseness

• irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeat

• excessive tiredness

• dizziness

• lightheadedness

• muscle spasms

• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

• seizures

People who take proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole may be more likely to fracture their wrists, hips, or spine than people who do not take one of these medications. The risk is highest in people who take high doses of one of these medications or take them for one year or longer. The risk may also be higher in people who are 50 years of age or older.

Some people who take omeprazole for a long time may develop weakening of the stomach lining.

Larry, maybe instead of taking a pill, try eating a little less fried processed foods. If you keep it up you might end up with a broken wrist from catching a football at your next tailgating party, but hey at least your heartburn wont be bothering you.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP