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Heartburn and Acid Reflux (GERD)

Heartburn a few nights a week isn't something to just live with — and you don't need a doctor's visit to treat it properly. At our Orleans pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist can assess your reflux symptoms and prescribe effective acid-reducing therapy, including proton pump inhibitors, while screening for the warning signs that need a physician. Free with your Ontario health card.

GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. The classic symptoms are heartburn — a burning feeling in the chest or upper stomach — and regurgitation of food or sour liquid. Some people also notice a lump-in-the-throat feeling, chronic cough, hoarseness, or nausea.

When occasional reflux becomes GERD

Occasional reflux after a big meal is normal. When it happens twice a week or more, lasts, or wakes you at night, the acid starts irritating the esophagus — that's GERD. It's the most common GI complaint reported to physicians, and it's very manageable with the right combination of lifestyle changes and acid suppression. Untreated, persistent GERD can damage the esophageal lining, which is why proper treatment (and knowing the alarm symptoms) matters.

GERD is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in primary care. Symptom severity generally tracks with how long the esophagus is exposed to acid each day — which is why evening habits (late meals, alcohol, lying down after eating) have outsized impact.

Common signs and symptoms

Burning feeling in the chest or upper stomach (heartburn), often after meals
Regurgitation — food or sour liquid rising into the throat
Symptoms worse at night or when lying down
Lump-in-the-throat feeling, chronic cough, or hoarseness
Bloating or nausea after eating

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Antacids & adsorbents: Alginic acid, Aluminum hydroxide, Calcium carbonate, Magnesium salts

Histamine H2-antagonists: Cimetidine, Famotidine (Pepcid), Nizatidine

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs): Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), Esomeprazole (Nexium), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Omeprazole (Losec), Pantoprazole (Pantoloc, Tecta), Rabeprazole (Pariet)

Self-care that helps

Antacids (e.g., Tums, Rolaids, Maalox) for fast, short-term relief
Alginate products (e.g., Gaviscon) that form a barrier on stomach contents
H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine/Pepcid) for longer relief
Eat smaller meals, avoid late-night eating, and stay upright after meals
Limit trigger foods (high-fat meals, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, carbonation) and raise the head of your bed ~10 cm

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Heartburn and Acid Reflux (GERD) self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between antacids, Pepcid, and PPIs?

Antacids neutralize acid already in the stomach — fast but brief. H2 blockers (famotidine) reduce acid production for hours. PPIs (like pantoprazole) shut down acid production most completely and heal an irritated esophagus, but take a few days to reach full effect. The right choice depends on frequency and severity — that's the assessment.

Is long-term PPI use safe?

PPIs are safe for most people when used at the lowest effective dose, but they're not meant to be taken indefinitely without review. If you've been on one for months, a reassessment — and possibly a step-down plan — is worthwhile.

Chest burning vs. heart problem — how do I know?

Don't guess. Crushing chest pain, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, shortness of breath, or sweating needs emergency care — call 911. Classic burning that follows meals and improves with antacids points to reflux, and that's what we assess.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: Seek medical care right away if you have chest pain, difficulty or painful swallowing, food sticking, vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting, or signs of anemia. Also follow up if heartburn isn't controlled after 2 weeks of treatment, or if you need acid reducers for more than 2 weeks every 6 months.

Sleep without the burn.

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for heartburn and GERD — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.