SUBJECT: Biopsy and reflux meds

QUESTION: For what reason would a biopsy be done by a gastroenterologist? I have read about Losec but it is not available in my country. Can you tell me the pharmaceutical make up of it and to what group it belongs?

RESPONSE: The biopsy can look for allergy, reflux or infection.

The drug Prilosec belongs to the class of drug proton pump inhibitors----there are several on the market now. Being a proton pump blocker can mask helicobater infection because it lowers the amount of bacteria. It can also make inflammation look better.

Prilosec is omeprazole
Prevacid is Lansoprazole

CP 3/27/2002