BOSTON -- About 50 million Americans with frequent heartburn now have a new pill at their fingertips.

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Prilosec is making its way into stores this week for the first time available without a prescription. While some say this will provide easier access to a revolutionary medication, there are concerns.

In the late '90s, Prilosec was the No. 1 prescription drug in the country. It prevents heartburn by stopping the production of acid at its source in the stomach.

Joanne Bullock started taking it two years ago.

"One hundred percent difference. I knew I would never have that pain again, knowing I was taking the Prilosec," she said.

The over-the-counter version of Prilosec has the same active ingredient -- pink in color, though --and it costs about one-fourth the price of the prescription form or about $1 a pill.

"Prilosec is a very safe medication. It's been around for 12 years. It has a wonderful track record,"said Dr. David Cave, of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston.

Unlike any other heartburn medication on the shelf, Prilosec is only for those with frequent heartburn -- more than two times per week. But the idea of making it available to everyone is causing some upset among experts.

Pharmacist Stephen Bernardi said that many consumers won't take the time to read the label warning of side effects and drug interactions. Most won't realize that unlike other heartburn drugs, it can take days to begin working.

"At least when it's on prescription, a physician has the opportunity to review it and see if it's appropriate," Bernardi said.

It also must be taken once a day for 14 days and then shouldn't be taken again for another four months.

"There is concern that obviously they're going to be disguising something. Are you going to miss a tumor, are you going to miss an ulcer. Yes, you might, but not for very long," Bernardi said.