Omeprazole and Atorvastatin interactions?

[Peileen]

Hi, I am new to HU and already have found some interesting and valuable information. I have paroxysmal AFib and have after it being suggested by two cardiologists that I take statins and anticoagulants started on Atorvastatin 20mg and Edoxaban 30mg. (My weight is just under the 60kg). However, onchecking for interactions of drugs prescribed to me I have found there is an interaction between statins and Omeprazole. Furthermore, it seems that Zantac has been withdrawn. Has anyone taken Omeprazole as well as statins? GERD untreated can lead to pulmonary problems so I feel in a bit of a predicament. I go back to GP in 6 weeks for blood tests and don't know if I should ask to stop the Omeprazole. Nowadays the doctors cannot tell us what to do so I would be grateful for any advice before seeing him. Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

My own take here is that PPIs such as any prazoles should never been taken long term. There is ample evidence that this is counter productive. Read up on the subject. I found this many years ago and will never take for more than a week at a time.

[Peileen in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD. I don't like taking Omeprazole but I had mucus in chest which was apparently lungs protecting themselves from stomach acid. It seems taht GERD can cause COPD which I'd never realised before. Now it seems that Zantac has been withdrawn due to an ingredient scare. I think I will stop the Omeprazole for a while. I no longer take aspirin and have Edoxaban instead which may help reduce stomach acid. I hope that Zantac or another Ranitidine comes back on the market.

[CDreamer in reply to Peileen]

Hi - my GP asked me if I had GERD when I went in recently with a long standing cough but my understanding is that it can’t cause COPD but can seriously exacerbate it if there is micro aspiration. I sometimes have problems with swallowing so need to be very careful about micro aspirations of food which can cause an pulmonary inflammatory response - which could be causing the cough.

I don’t currently suffer GERD - but did go through a period after ablation & taking Pradaxa when it was a problem. Pradaxa is well known for causing acid reflux. I managed to stop it by changing my diet & how & when I eat + adding kefir + fermented foods. What I also realised that eating carbs, especially bread, biscuits, cake & cereal made things a lot worse.

The other major thing to remember is to never eat on the go - your body needs to be in Rest & Digest mode to truly digest & absorb.

Best wishes CD

[fairgo45]

I have taken both for years with no side effects .

[Cat04 in reply to fairgo45]

Me too!

[Valsha in reply to Cat04]

Me too, as reflux was irritating my asthma. I take pravastatin ( got the aches with atorvastatin), and verapamil and apixaban. All without noticeable side effects.

[Jennyquilt0 in reply to Cat04]

Me too

[Angie06]

Hi I was diagnosed with GERD about 6/7yrs ago and after investigations with endoscopy, diet and meds, I've been taking 20mgs Omeprazole for the last 5yrs as I just cant tolerate the unbearable acid reflux if I dont take it. I've tried taking a lower dose with doc's advice but it always creeps back. By the way I don't smoke, hardly ever drink, steer clear of spicy foods, dont eat red meat, have dinner at 5.30pm and follow all advice given. The Omeprazole definitely improves my QOL and I've taken it with statins and flecainide since the beginning with no real side effects.

[Bob56]

I’m just answering one specific point about Zantac (Ranitidine). I have this prescribed from time to time, but was told that any Zantac, containing the specific banned ingredient had been withdrawn ( and to throw away any “old” Zantac I might have) but any new prescription for Ranitidine was now ok. Your pharmacist should be able to confirm the exact situation.

[engvey00]

I have been taking omep amd Astro for several years with no problem. If I had to give up one it would be the astovastin.

[Peileen]

Thanks for all these very helpful comments. As I've only started Atorvastatin a week ago I was concerned about the Omeprazole moderate interactions. But with the GERD symptoms being so badly felt in my chest with phlegm rattling and having to buy very strong sucking lozenges for the cough and my throat never clearing I feel stopping Omeprazole which cleared all that would be counterproductive. I'm so pleased to hear that so many people find taking Omiprazole and statins to be quite okay.

[Madscientist16]

Famotidine (Pepsid) and cimetidine (Tagamet) are also H2 blockers like ranitidine (Zantac). You could one of these instead of a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) like omeprazole.

[Peileen in reply to Madscientist16]

Thanks Madscientist16 I checked interactions of Cimetidine and it interacts moderately with Atorvastatin and also the Propranolol and Codeine that I take for essential tremor and arthritic pain. There seems to be a number of people taking Omiprazole and statins quite happily. GERD was causing me ratlling and wheezing in chest and my throat would never clear despite strong cough sweets. I'll take them at opposite times of day.