To compare the treatment costs and effectiveness of Rabeprazole combined with either Jiawei Zuojin Pill or Vonoprazan Fumarate Tablets as maintenance phase regimens.

A total of 200 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) entering the maintenance phase were enrolled from the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region between January 2020 and September 2023. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received Rabeprazole combined with Jiawei Zuojin Pill, while Group B received Rabeprazole combined with Vonoprazan Fumarate Tablets. The treatment costs and effectiveness of the two groups were comprehensively evaluated by comparing symptoms (heartburn, chest pain, acid regurgitation, etc.), esophageal mucosal healing, and improvements in quality of life before and after treatment.

The overall response rate was 88% in Group A and 72% in Group B, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was 20.05% in Group A and 22.03% in Group B, showing no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the CER between the two groups (P<0.05).

While the combination therapy of Rabeprazole and Jiawei Zuojin Pill yielded a higher overall response rate and treatment cost compared to Rabeprazole combined with Vonoprazan Fumarate Tablets, the cost-effectiveness ratios between the two regimens were comparable. When cost is not a primary consideration, the combination of Jiawei Zuojin Pill and Rabeprazole is the preferred maintenance therapy option.