The ‘prozole’ tablets : Hi everyone, I... - British Heart Fou...

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The ‘prozole’ tablets

Heyjude31 profile image
66 Replies

Hi everyone, I hope your week is going well. Just a quick question, I have been put on numerous ‘prozole’ tablets and all of them have had a bad reaction in terms of side effects. I may have asked a similar question before, so apologies. I have tried to persevere but I just can’t seem to make them work. I am thinking of just trying the dispensable aspirin with my breakfast, in the hope that it will not cause any problems such as an ulcer. Please would you mind letting me know your thoughts, I do tolerate Clopidogrel . thanks always, Judi

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66 Replies
Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31

Thanks ever so much, that is really helpful. I think I may try and reduce the dose and perhaps take them every other day. I will speak with my GP before doing so. Thanks again, take care, Judi

Kristin1812 profile image
Kristin1812Heart Star in reply toHeyjude31

Yes, do speak to your GP before changing any meds. They know much more than we do about drugs and the alternatives, interactions, doses, combinations, time of day, half life etc etc. If one ‘prazole’ gives you problems, they will try alternatives. There are lots of alternatives. My GP was very patient…it took 5 before I got one that suited.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toKristin1812

Hi Kristen, I am glad you got sorted out all be it it took a while. At least it gives me confidence to get it sorted! Thank you for replying. Judi

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31

Hiya, I am on 40mg so I may well try and halve it! 👏👏😊

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC in reply toHeyjude31

Be careful, you shouldn't split some tablets and definitely not capsules! Check with your pharmacist to be sure.

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC

I had a conversation with my GP recently regarding swapping to 'coated' aspirin instead of 'dispersible' aspirin, this would eliminate the need for a PPI, he agreed to swap them.

The consensus nowadays seems to be that both are equally as good at reducing the risk of HA/Stroke.

It might be worth having the conversation with your GP.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toSheldonC

Thanks ever so much, I will speak to my doctor to change to coated. Many thanks again, Judi 😊

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC

I was informed that they where equally effective, but dispersible are cheaper, of course if you add the cost of the PPI then that is no longer true.

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC

Sorry but i would say that this is bad advice, capsules should not be split like this, unless advised to do so by a medical professional.

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC

"If a tablet is crushed or a capsule opened, it could mean that the medicine is released into your body all at once when it should be released slowly over many hours. This means you are more likely to receive a very high dose and experience side effects. It could also make your medicine less effective because you do not receive the correct dose.".

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC

Splitting a capsule, or coated pills, does not (always) achieve a lower dose, the coating/shell is there for a reason.

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC

I am neither a GP nor a pharmacist and NHS guidelines say "check with a medical professional".

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC

I think some PPI's are ok to split, but I would not advise anyone to do so, I just think it is better they check with a medical professional.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31

Thank you 😊

BongoBaggins profile image
BongoBaggins

I stopped taking them, they turn my insides to liquid 😬

I've been happily taking aspirin every day for nearly a year now, with no gastric problems at all. Everybody has different tolerances though

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toBongoBaggins

Thank you BongoBaggins, I really appreciate your reply.I think I am going to try that. I take Gaviscon occasionally so maybe I can take it more often. Thank you again, take care, Judi

ChoochSiesta profile image
ChoochSiesta in reply toBongoBaggins

Me too. As long as Aspirin / Clopidogrel are taken after a large meal I think PPIs are unnecessary. Assuming you have no underlying stomach issues, which I don't.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toChoochSiesta

Thanks ever so much for replying. I am taking the tablets after food without the PPI and so far so good. Take care, Judi

Ellester profile image
Ellester

Hi I was on emesoprozol for years taking 40mg. Per day. I was then put o. Famidine 40mg. My relux got worse and I had a heart attack which probably wasn't the reflux but warning signs of heart attack.I decided to stop taking any reflux tablets and was advised to take gaviscon extra morning and evening as this gaviscon sits on the top of your stomach and helps acid riding. This works well. I also reduced

Eating tomatoes and food containing tomatoes, also reduced intake of onions.

I feel much better and don't suffer very much with acid.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toEllester

Thank you Ellester for replying. I am going to speak with my doctor and see what alternatives there are. Thank you again for replying I appreciate it. Take care, Judi

Bingofox007 profile image
Bingofox007

Have you ever tried ranitidine, it was the drug of choice as ‘stomach’ protector prior to the PPIs. Also regular gaviscon? Or both. I think ranitidine is available without prescription but worth checking drug interactions/GP first. Take care ❤️

Dralex profile image
Dralex in reply toBingofox007

I think you will find ranitidine is no longer available in the UK. I remember reading somewhere that there is a cancer risk with this medication

Bingofox007 profile image
Bingofox007 in reply toDralex

Oh apologies, I didn’t know that. Thank you for pointing that out. Noted. Take care x

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toBingofox007

Thanks again Bingofox007. Take care, Judi

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toDralex

Thank you Dralex, much appreciated. Judi

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toBingofox007

Thanks Bingofox007 I will check with the doctor and see what is available, thanks ever so much for replying. Judi

benjijen profile image
benjijen

I don't have problems with lansoprosol and they definitely keep reflux under control. With regard to aspirin, I don't have prescription for mine as they are very cheap to buy over the counter. I have the enteric coated ones.

SheldonC profile image
SheldonC in reply tobenjijen

If you take enteric coated ones you probably don't need a PPI, unless of course it's for something else! As always, check with your GP before making any changes.

benjijen profile image
benjijen in reply toSheldonC

Yes GP ia aware and perfectly happy with it. The lansoprozol doesn't have any contra indications with any of my other drugs and reflux has been controlled since I started even though it wasn't prescribed for that.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toSheldonC

Thank you SheldonC, it is not for anything else. If that works I can try that, I didn’t realise that I could take the enteric ones and not take the PPI I will speak with the doctor. Thanks again, Judi

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply tobenjijen

Thank you benjijen for replying I really appreciate it. Take care, Judi

Wooodsie profile image
Wooodsie

Give nexium a go. And only take any PPI occasionally, not every day. You will know when the acid is building up. I have agreed this with my GP, after I wanted to stop altogether.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toWooodsie

Thanks Woodside, I wondered if I could take something less frequently like every other day. I can try that and look for Nexium. Thank you and take care, Judi

Wooodsie profile image
Wooodsie in reply toHeyjude31

Hey Jude, you can buy them over the counter if you want to give them a go. You take care too

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toWooodsie

Thank you Wooodsie will do. 😊

kkatz profile image
kkatz

I personally cannot live without my Omeprazole.I have a hiatus hernia and terrific acid.But if you want to half the doze just ask your doctor.They do 20 mg doses.You can double up if you need too.Talk to your gp .

Radars profile image
Radars in reply tokkatz

Us people with hiatus hernia have to use ppis forever i have tried to use my 20mg rabeprazole every other day but started getting more problems with symptoms had to go back to daily use but still having to clear my throat a lot it's hard work.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toRadars

Hi Radars it is a lot of hard work, I do hope you are okay and thank you for replying. Take care, Judi

Pippa15 profile image
Pippa15 in reply toRadars

My need to keep clearing throat turned out to be cyst on tongue maybe ask for an ,ENT. Appointment I also have hiatus hernia which was assumed to be main promblem then as voice went funny as well sent to zENzt had cyst removed yesterday so hope prombkem now solved

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toPippa15

Thanks Pippa15, I do hope all is good for you now. I had an Endoscopy and a CT scan in case there was anything causing my problems. Thankfully both results were clear. I am slowly finding my way to balancing the medications though it is taking a lot longer than I thought it would! Take care, Judi

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply tokkatz

Thanks kKatz for replying much appreciated I appreciate your feedback. Take care, Judi

Pippa15 profile image
Pippa15 in reply tokkatz

I also have had my omeprazole upped to ,,,40 , aday taken in two lots of 20 it has helped so much

Flummoxedlou profile image
Flummoxedlou

The reason is that a capsule will reach a lower part of the stomach before releasing its dose. It is in that part of the digestive system that you want your medication to activate, not in the upper part where it will be rendered ineffective. Also, in relation to taking your medications, I would experiment with taking them at different times of the day - for instance before going to bed so that any side effects are not felt during your waking hours. Take your omeprazole several hours after dinner and wait half an hour before taking your meds. Also, ensure you are not going to bed with low blood sugar as this will leave your body more likely to wake up. I don't mean eat chocolate but have something that will just lift it before going to bed.

Zac11 profile image
Zac11

Both lanzoprasole and omeprazole gave me the runs. They stopped when I stopped the former, but not when I stopped the latter, so, after numerous tests, including a colonoscopy, failed to resolve the problem, I now take over-the-counter loperamide (immodium) every few days to control it.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toZac11

Thanks for replying Zac11 I really appreciate it. At least it seems there are alternatives. Much appreciated and take care, Judi

Petercat1 profile image
Petercat1

Hi. I am on Lansoprazole 15mg daily. I'm not on aspirin anymore and stopped taking them about 3years ago. I have tried stopping the Lansoprazole altogether but after a few days I get terrible indigestion/reflux. I now take them about every 4th day unless I know I will be having and spicy food then I take one that morning. Dr Steel on This Morning said for over 75s PPIs aren't good at all. Think it was H2 inhibitors he said to switch to if you had to take anything.

I really don't want to take the Lansoprazole anymore and will be discussing this with my doctor.

Good luck.

Denise

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toPetercat1

Thanks Denise I really appreciate your reply. I think taking something on alternate days may be the answer. Take care and thank you again. Judi

Kazzie68 profile image
Kazzie68

I have been taking dispersible aspirin for almost 5 years now. My cardiac consultant advised against the coated version as not as effective as the non coated. Originally I was prescribed omeprazole until I read about possible links to dementia and although not fully proven my GP changed me to ranitidine. Once ranitidine was no longer available I was advised to just make sure I eat before I take my aspirin and use gaviscon if I experience any problems. So far so good. Take care and stay well x

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toKazzie68

Thank you Kazzie68, that’s great advice. From all the feedback I have seen, I think that will be my best option. I do eat before my aspirin, so hopefully that will do the trick. Thanks again and take care, Judi

Dewson profile image
Dewson

To reduce stomach acid I have taken 20 mg omeprazole long term, recently it has given me problems so prescription was changed to famotidine.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toDewson

Thank you for replying I appreciate it. There are a number of options to consider so I am sure I will get sorted. Thanks again and take care, Judi

stitch13 profile image
stitch13

SMH!

Handel profile image
Handel

Hi Judi. Again I can only speak for my hubby. As he suffers with heartburn and acid reflux (and he had that before his bypass 3 years ago), the cardio guy and our GP recommended Omeprazole. This drug, we were told, helps repair ulcers and also prevents ulcer formation with a plus point of reducing stomach acid.He's always been on a dose of 20mg and this helps him so much.

Before that he could have been the major shareholder for Rennies!!!!

Good luck and take care. Jan xxx

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toHandel

Thanks ever so much Jan, you take care too xxx

seniorita profile image
seniorita

I was changed to Lansaprazole when Ranitidine was removed. I react very badly to all the PPIs, and the doctors don't connect the dots, it was left to me to do that. I am on Famotidine, 20 mg twice a day, for me that works better than 40 mg once a day, but I also have the odd Rennie.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toseniorita

Thank you for replying Seniorita, that’s very helpful. Take care, Judi

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

Always take aspirin with food. There is a coated one you could swap to that dissolves in the intestine. I went on that because of stomach pain. You could try famotidine instead of the prozoles. I'm allergic to prozoles so that's all I can take.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toQualipop

Thanks Qualipop, a few people have mentioned famotidine so I will investigate that. Thanks again and take care, Judi

MumaLines profile image
MumaLines

Hey Jude

My Mum took anti- inflammatory tabs for years without medication to line her stomach, for years, her GP never prescribed.

I watched my Mum when she had a perforated ulcer, you do not want that!

My Pharmacist said Lansoprazole have to be taken on their own first thing in the morning, at least 30-60 minutes before food and other medications to line the Gut.

Many people do not do this! What’s your routine?

I get upset tummy sometimes and never knew why until we had these discussions, that’s why the Hearties on here are so valuable to us all 😊

Mums Lines xx

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toMumaLines

Thanks MumaLines, for replying. I am going to discuss with my doctor to see what is the best solution. Thanks again and take care, Judi

Hi Heyjude31 ,

This might be a question for the BHF’s cardiac nurses.

Please do contact them at bhf.org.uk/informationsuppo...

Call 0300 330 3311 or email hearthepline@bhf.org.uk

Lines open weekdays 9am to 5pm.

Really hope this helps :)

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply to

Thank you, was it okay for me to post my question on the forum? Many thanks, Judi

Aqua2001 profile image
Aqua2001

Hello everyone. A short overnight stay in hospital in February resulted in a diagnosis of Acute Pericarditis and AF and the cardiologist put me on Colchicine for two weeks to clear up the pericarditis which it did! Omeprazole 20 mg was prescribed to counteract the effects of this drug and I was instructed to take it 30 to 60 mins before breakfast. In addition I was prescribed Apixaban 5mg twice a day, Bisoprolol 2.5 mg at first once a day (following a heart CT scan in March doubled to twice a day, plus Atorvastatin 40mg). Following angiogram in September where hurray arteries although narrowed were found not to be sufficiently narrowed to warrant a stent I was put on Furosemide 20 mg once a day. I have from time to time queried Omeprazole with my doctor but he has said that Apixaban can cause severe stomach bleeding and he has seen cases of this and that therefore I should continue to take this PPI. I had read that Omeprazole shouldn’t necessarily be a long term drug. However as a result of what he says I shall continue to take it. I am very new to this heart business. I am 73 and I wish to continue to live a long life. My recommendation is to talk to the professionals and thoroughly discuss your concerns with them.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toAqua2001

Thank you Aqua2001 for replying I really appreciate it. I will talk to my doctor and see what she recommends. Thank you again and I hope you are feeling better. Take care, Judi

Peileen profile image
Peileen

Hi Heyjude31I have GERD and been on Omeprazole with no problem for 3 years. I went to GP with a lot of mucus and rattling in my chest esp when bending downbut it turned out to be Gastric Acid. Because stomach acid is so dangerous to the lungs, mucus is produced in the bronchial tubes as a protection. In fact this can go on to cause even asthma so I am very happy to take the Omeprazole. Since I started the Omeprazole I’ve been fine and no mouthfuls of acid either in the night. Aspirin is hard on the stomach. Aspirin in my opinion is a wonderful pain killer and took it for years but was changed to codeine and paracetamol which are working fine.

I’ve had stomach problems off and on for years. Zantac is good. Of course no medicine is without something. I hope you find a solution. Best wishes.

Heyjude31 profile image
Heyjude31 in reply toPeileen

Thanks everso much for replying Peileen, I really appreciate it. I do need to find a solution that protects my stomach, it is just about finding the right one. Thank you again, and take care. Judi 😊

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