Been on this for 3 months now since heart attack , doctor has said taking it long term can cause damage , but why would i have been prescribed it ,i never had heartburn before or acid refulx .
Omerprazole: Been on this for 3 months... - British Heart Fou...
Omerprazole
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yellow731
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It’s very common to be prescribed this if you’re on multiple medications even if you don’t have history of heartburn or acid reflux. It’s probably just a precautionary measure to ensure your stomach lining is protected. You will find that many of us are on this. I know it can be a little bit annoying to take additional medication, especially if we feel it’s not necessary but the doctor won’t prescribe something if they didn’t feel it was important.
If you’re having side effects from the medication however; then it’s worth having a chat with your GP about it.
All the best.
Tos
No my cardiololgist nurses want you to take ut because they are saying that sometines your attack of what you say is angiba is just really silent acid refluxe bull
Medication often comes with a side effect and PPIs (prazoles)are possibly not an exception. If your GP has prescribed omeprazole and you don't suffer from reflux disease or other gastric upset, it has likely been prescribed to calm down your digestive system from the effect from other medication you may be taking. So if you are really concerned talk to your GP again about trialling without the PPI to see how it goes. But if you then suffer gastric upset side effects you may have to consider taking a PPI again. And if its any help I have been taking PPIs (currently Lansoprazole) at a high dose for 20 years or so for reflux disease and don't suffer from any obvious signs of' damage' but I certainly could not do without them.
Thanks for your reply , i will ask him then as he said they shouldnt be taken long term
stomach acid is essential for digestion, especially of protein which requires strong acid to break down completely and make available the B vitamins. The presence of stomach acid also closes valves which in turn prevents reflux. PPI's are meant to be short term meds. they stop acid entering the stomach, which helps heal lesions you may have in your stomach. PPI's should not be prescribed long term, for the above reasons. If you take them long term you will have reflux and will likely become reliant on them. If you were prescribed aspirin or blood thinners then the common practice is to prescribe , pre-emptively, a ppi. I would only take them short term if I have been diagnosed with ulcers, for reflux it definitely will make you feel better but on the other hand they perpetuate the valves not closing properly allowing stomach contents to go up the esophagus , aka chronic reflux. That is how it was explained to me, hopefully your doctor will explain it to you and you can decide for yourself what to do.
I would sooner not take them ,as dont want to cause long term damage , so if its a case of switching to a coated one and getting rid of them its a no brainer , only time ive had heartburn/ reflux is when i just necked the asprin instead of disolving first
Hi I have been on this drug for over 15 years with no ill effects. This is a very common medication here in the UK and widely prescribed long and short term
To dispense PPIs indiscriminately 'to settle the stomach' in order to combat the effect of other medication is, in my opinion, a dubious practice without first trialling a period without, to see if the individual can go without. Certainly no one wants to take unnecessary medication and the medics should not prescribe them without proper reason. However you implied that people with reflux disease have an option when it comes to PPIs, but I can assure you that for many they certainly do not. As I said above I have taken PPIs for 20 years to combat the effect of reflux disease. In my case I already had chronic reflux cause by a weak valve and a byproduct of that was the onset of Barrett's Disease which can be the precursor to oesophageal cancer. So for me, and others similarly placed, PPIs have provided 20 years of mostly discomfort free living and significantly reduced any possibility of oesophageal cancer, and any possible long term side effects caused by taking PPIs are far outweighed by the benefits they have brought.
I have been taking it at least as long as you with no ill effects and all bloods including B12 normal. The reason they prescribe them to HA and stent patients is the antiplatelet and aspirin can cause fatal internal bleeding which is very difficult to stop if it occurs with those heart meds. With me its a hiatus hernia and it has kept me pain free for years.
I do agree with what you said, and did state if you have reflux they will make you feel better. The poster was saying they did not have reflux, so I was responding to his query about ppi's. and advice to not stay on them long term. I myself was prescribed them as a matter of protocol and in the absence of reflux, and chose not to take them. I was not saying it is a choice for every situation. Chronic reflux is difficult to manage, and I have sympathy for anybody that suffers. It is a catch 22 situation, the thing that helps also hinders.
Thats why some apple cider vinager from time to time helps keep you just right....and no sugar in your tea
You are spot on Jack. I am afraid that some doctors dole them out like sweeties ‘to protect the stomach’. Some people like myself have a lack of stomach acid and in those omeprazole can do an immense amount of harm. Happened to me. Gave me anaemia (lack of digesting protein which lead to a lack of iron). which in turn made my heart work harder - hence my heart problems. I am quite sure some people need it. I wish they would do a rough and ready stomach acid test first. It is on the web. First thing in the morning have some bicarb in water and time to see how quickly you burp. The quicker the burp the more acid. As I said it is on the web.
Oh me too I've taken it for a hiatus hernia for years and years and I couldnt be without it either
I have taken Omeprazole for years too. I have a hiatus hernia and l would not be able to eat without them. I take vitamin B supplements which help as l have been told they deprive your body of these vitamins. They work well for me and are necessary for my quality of life. They protect the stomach from certain medications.
Hi I also have been on prazoles for over 30 years and are really worried about any damage caused , can you tell me which B vitamins ie (B12 ect not the make ) you take Tia
It is worrying for us that have to take them. My Gastroenterologist has said l must take them as you can also get cancer from acid reflux if it is not controlled and many other problems. I have yearly check-ups and am monitored. I take multi Vit B tablets with extra B12 every other day. These are water soluble and don’t stay in the body so you can’t overdose. There are side effects to all drugs and advantages and disadvantages. I have tried the natural approach but nothing works for me. Sometimes it’s not quantity of life but quality of life. We are all different when it comes to medication and the way we react to it. Try not to worry as there are many of us who have to take these drugs.
Yes by now you seem to cant do without it cause you have not much stomach acid to help break down the foods due to the med!!!! Its a vicious cycle
Soluble Aspirin is one of the main reasons people are put on a PPI, if that is the reason in your case then ask your GP If they will prescribe Enteric coated aspirin so you can stop the PPI.
This is what I did.
I disolve mine 25mil of water then just drink it
If you can stomach it that’s fine, but many can’t. The enteric coated won’t cause the same issues, therefore no need for a PPI.
hi yellow731.
I wasn’t put on PPI initially but after the dispersable Asprin started to have an effect on my stomach (around 6 weeks after) I was given Lansoprazole 15mg but they didn’t make much of a difference so the Asprin was swapped to a coated one and since then no stomach issues, but my IBS is a bit dodgy 🙈
I personally would ask for the coated Asprin and stop the PPI - but that is being me 🤪
Yes im going to as the omerprazole shouldnt be used long term , but im on asprin for life ,so if i take the coated ones it solves 2 problems .
What's the long term prognosis for being on PPi's as I've taken one a day for a decade, still here to tell the tale
Slow kidney damage and osteoporosis
And infections such as C Difficile.
My friend who is a geriatrician takes all her inpatients off PPIs to see what is happening and to see if there are other ways to tackle gastric issues. Usually with tweaking other meds and looking at diet and weight management most do not return to PPIs. Also checking for H Pylori which can be treated and is a common cause of reflux.
H Pylori causes gastric ulcers as discovered back in the 1980s, and can be eliminated by a cocktail of a PPI and an antibiotic over a week's course. But H Pylori does not, to my knowledge, cause reflux disease since that usually comes from a weak oesophageal valve or a hiatus hernia.
You’re quite right. However it’s very under tested in this country.
If you are in danger of having a 2nd heart attack, then you should use the fast-dissolving aspirin instead of the coated ones. I have read that if you believe that you are in the process of having a HA, then you should take approximately 300 mg aspirin while you wait for the ambulance. You might want to discuss this with your doctor.
Any medication affecting the stomach is surely going to have an impact on the vagus nerve which itself is thought to be a factor-if inflamed-in causing heart disturbances.
PPIs for acid reflux and heartburn were/are not meant for long term use and if you look most say do not use longer than 14 days. I know lots of people who have been taking them long term who have had very concerning illnesses. If you are on them long term, you need to be weaned off of them, your Dr. is right when he says not for long term use.
Well I do not know anybody who is on them and has any concerning illness??. Are you using a bit of a friend told a friend type of thing here. It is not advised to take any medication long term unless medically warrented. Omeprazole is prescribed long term for severe GERD, hiatus hernia and various other issues and to the best of my knowledge with few if any side effects other than easing suffering.
I'm on Lansoprazole long term as I'm on dispersible aspirin for life. There are no warnings against long term dosage with mine other than regular monitoring will be required if taking them for a year or more.
in reply to Survivor1952
unless I missed it the bnf site says that too regards review of long term use!
I’ve taken lansoprazole for over a year now.
Have you taken for more than that?
👍
Survivor1952 in reply to
Not yet, expecting to have a review at 12 monthly periods though.
I’ve been on Lansoprazole for 5 years now, and although I still have at least annual blood tests, no one has mentioned possible adverse effects of the PPI.
I don't know why he would put you on it if you don't have reflux. I've been on esomeprazole for years for severe reflux. I must say it has worked wonders since I did what I was originally told - take it half an hour before breakfast. I recently said to my GP "Isn't it not good to take it all the time?" His reply was "Well, they say not taking it can cause cancer from reflux and taking it long term can weaken bones and cause kidney problems."
In other words, you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Make your choice. It's a hard one.
Are you on naproxen or any anti- inflammatory meds
No dont think so just my heart meds and statins
My father took them for 33 years with no long term issues
This medicine is terrible for everyone. It causes cancer and heart disease. It also causes great stitch pain in most people because your body needs acid to process food through your digestive system. Without acid, you’ll have a distorted gut microbiome and a weakened immune system as well. It made my stomach hurt for several months straight until i stopped it, and started using probiotics, slippery elm and marshmallow root. The probiotics were the key to healing.
You are wrong. It is not 'terrible for everyone' as you have stated. It might be inappropriately prescribed for people who take other medication, to settle the stomach, when a trial of doing without might confirm whether it is needed or not, but for people like me who had chronic reflux before they took PPIs it has significant benefits. And where is the credible reference source for stating PPIs cause cancer?
It might help a small percentage of people who have abnormally large acid secretions, when used for a month or two. Usually gerd is caused by eating an unhealthy diet, which causes a damaged stomach lining and poor microbiome. It definitely increases the chances of cancer and heart problems, when used for long term. Cardamom and probiotics eliminated my significant stomach pain, which was being exacerbated by ppi meds. People with gerd often have SIBO and leaky gut, which needs to be repaired, in order to heal several problems in the stomach, intestines and the entire body.
frontiersin.org/articles/10....
I didn't have an unhealthy diet (and I still don't have one) but I ended up with reflux disease. It had nothing to do with gut biomes or leaky guts, but all to do with a weakened LEL which allows backflow of strong digestive acids into the oesophagus, which is a physical thing. And the same goes for a hiatus hernia. I do not doubt that avoiding some food and drink will help the symptoms of reflux disease, a practice I use myself, but for many like me it is not the solution. And again, moving on, you have still not provided a credible reference confirming PPIs cause cancer. Words like 'definitely' do not do that. If there were serious 'definite' link between PPI use and cancer there would be a serious well publicised debate about their use given the millions who use them.
I have you a credible reference. Look at the link i attached in my previous message
Also, ppi s reduce nitric oxide which is essential for cardiac health. There are a smaller percentage of people that have unique problems like you but the vast majority are way better off without ppi s.
Coffee causes stomach lining problems for many people as well, so that problem can’t be fixed with ppi s. Eliminating coffee is the solution.
The conclusion of the article you posted was this:
"We found that PPI use increased gastric cancer risk, but not colorectal cancer risk. This result may be biased due to confounding factors. More prospective studies are needed to further validate and support our findings."
The risk wasn't quantified.
I would agree with Lowerfield_no_more that this isn't conclusive evidence to support your statement of
"This medicine is terrible for everyone. It causes cancer and heart disease."
What hasn't been discussed is the relative risks of taking a medication and how it effects a person's quality of life.
I take many medications all with side effects, however if I didn't take them my quality of life would be even poorer.
My risks of a heart attack, stroke, heart failure and major adverse cardiac events increased.
I would have to be in hospital much more frequently.
It's our choice whether we take up the offer of any treatment we are offered by healthcare professionals. I hope people are able to make the decision that is best for them as individuals based on good quality research.
take ppi s s as much as you want. That’s your choice and anyone else on here. Based on my research, it’s terrible for the vast majority of people. I’ve got other things to do than post 50 documents on here. Prime can do their own research. All the info is easily available these days. Most recommendations I’ve received from doctors has damaged me, not helped. They only know what they learned in medical school, which does not include: food, nutrition, exercise, mental therapy or supplements.
You perhaps need to meet my Cardiologist 😊
He like me practices yoga.
He listens to me and respects my expertise by experience. I repect his expertise by training.
We regularly exchange research papers about my rare heart condition.
Maybe medicine is practiced differently in the US ?
I was prescribed a PPI after being put on low dose aspirin - apparently as a precautionary measure. I too have never suffered from acid reflux. On reading up on the effects of taking PPI’s long term I told my GP I don’t want to risk it - I already have CKD so why would I. I now buy coated asprin from Boots (they’re very cheap)
Yes i noticed in boots they do the same brand i get prescribed but in coated form
Just take the aspirin with food, and it won’t affect your stomach lining.
Because that works for you, doesn’t mean it will for everyone!
It’ll work for good percentage.
Like I said ‘not everyone’.
So, i don’t care what you said
Yes - that’s what I’m doing - plus I’m taking the coated asprin. I really don’t want to take a PPI and risk damaging my kidneys further - especially as I don’t suffer from acid reflux anyway.
Good thinking. I hope it improves your health. Probably will.
I take the asprin half way through my breakfast so will i need to take the omerprazole ?
I recommend seeing a functional medicine doctor to make a plan with them. They can run blood tests and determine s good plan to help you heal. I figured out what worked for me by talking to other stomach pain patients and watching doctors on YouTube but i think it’s best to go to the functional medicine doctor to get to the root of the problem.
I only take them when my heartburn starts up. Fixes it very quickly.
Hi - really common to be prescribed drugs without being given the full story. You may have needed some protection immediately after your heart attack but taken long term it will cause damage, most drugs taken long term have affects, some more serious than others.
I was prescribed PPI’s as a prophylactic for 3 drugs I was prescribed but never got the prescription fulfilled. It’s one of my bug bears that meds are prescribed when often, not always, change of lifestyle can be just as affective. I found the biggest antagonist for reflux was eating bread, especially in the morning, any other processed carbohydrates, especially breakfast cereals. Stop eating those and sip a cup of warm/hot (never cold) water or weak herbal tea after eating worked very well.
I am into fermented foods for their health benefits - especially kefir which I make myself. A very small glass first thing in the morning helps the stomach mucus layer and I think gives a certain amount of protection. Not to everyone’s taste but very effective. Only studies I could were in rats but did show significant protective affect for the stomach lining. Will it be tested in humans - doubt it as it’s a food.
Cases for taking PPI’s - silent reflux as if acid is back tracking into the esophagus, whether or not you have pain, it could cause lung damage. To protect the esophagus or stomach lining after treatments. Only problem is that your mucus layer with all of those protective microbes will never recover.
Really difficult reducing or coming off PPI’s as many people get rebound affects ie: the stomach protein pumps, having been repressed, suddenly increase production so best reduced incredibly slowly and with advice and support from an expert on GI tract problems. Being really careful with your diet will help.
Nor will you. I’ve been on it for years. Now 82 I suffer from vascular probs (PAD). Still cycle 60 miles a week. My GP said it was ok.
Mine got complicated as I’m Coeliac as well, I am a year on from my heart failure, still have after effects from the CPR a constant sensitivity middle of my chest and now manageable reflux, I couldn’t get on with Omer, it ended up making things worse and giving me ectopics. So back on the Lansoprazole that I was before, with nitzadine and donperidone, fully booted and spurred ha ha, but I need the lot to have some form of normality
I've taken them for 46yrs no problems
I'm on lanzoprazole. I had some acid reflux before heart problems and it was such a relief even though I was put on it for aspirin. I buy enteric coated aspirin. Its about £1.50 for a month's supply. If I miss more than one lanzoprasole my reflux is back. I read recently that long term it can lead to weakened bones etc but all meds have some side effects.
Proton pump inhibitors or PPI for short are sometimes prescribed alongside other medications to help protect the stomach. The thing with PPIs is that they work to minimise the amount of acid the stomach produces. So, when you stop taking them the stomach then goes into overdrive producing lots of acid which brings back the heartburn, gastro symptoms with a bang. Have a look at the patient information leaflet that comes in the pack. I would speak to a pharmacist about the long term usages of PPIs.
My GP prescribed Lansoprozole as a matter of course when I was first prescribed blood pressure medication which at tge time was Ramipril. I was immediately extremely unwell and had to stop taking the PPI. I had no problem without it, but my GP still insisted on prescribing Peptac (which is similar to Gaviscon) even though I insisted I didn't need it.
I now take a cocktail of 5 medications and 3 vitamins in the morning with my breakfast cereal. The soluable aspirin is taken in at least 150ml of water and followed by a good mug of tea. Zero issues. 😀
I suffer from intermittent heartburn (probably due to hiatus hernia). I find that if my heartburn is particularly bad I can take omeprazole for one or up to several days the heartburn will clear up completely, only to return a few days or weeks later. My GP prescribes it daily and a consultant I saw recently said the same thing. But why take a medication when you don't need it?
My mother took omeprazole for decades after being prescribed it for the side-effects of the other meds she was on for angina. Before her death she had falls which led to broken bones. Now I suspect the latter were due to the omeprazole she took for years, and the terrible bruising she suffered for virtually no reason at all were due to the blood thinners she also took for decades.
I know there are many on here that have total faith in the medical profession but in my experience many doctors are only too happy to prescribe meds which are really not needed or that will cause side-effects which may be worse than the actual condition itself.
I was told it’s to make sure it protects your stomach from stomach ulcers because of taking Aspirin and other tablets. I thought the same as you until I was told the reason. Doctors should inform people why they are taking each tablet but they don’t unless you ask. My dad used to cough up blood because of stomach ulcers so I make sure I take my tablets. Hope that helps but ask your doctor next time you see him.
Thank you , but you can get coated asprin which protects the stomach to ,will ask my doctor ,its just with him saying they shouldnt be taken longterm then prescribed them baffles me
I’ve just read all your replies and have learned about the coated aspirin! I will ask my GP next time if I can have that as I didn’t know. Even that has to disperse in your stomach though hence the tablet to protect your insides. I’m confused but glad I’ve got something else to go on. I was worried about taking the aspirin but I’ve been told I can’t stop it. Joy x
Enteric coated Aspirin passes through the stomach before fully dissolving in the small intestine, therefore PPI shouldn’t be required.
Wouldn’t the coated aspirin dissolving in the small intestine affect or damage the intestines? I’m a big confused x
It is the stomach lining that is sensitive and prone to irritation from the Aspirin, the small intestine is not so sensitive.
my doctor said that taking coated aspirin was not as effective as the soluble aspirin as it was not absorbed as easily. I am going to seek further advice on this as I suspect it is because it is more expensive that they don't prescribe it.
The only time that soluble aspirin is better, is when a patient is having a suspected heart event, the high dose (normally 300mg) of soluble aspirin will be absorbed far more quickly.
My GP changed me to Enteric coated and suggested that I keep a pack of soluble in the cupboard ‘just in case’.
I was prescribed Lanzanapole over 20 years ago after being diagnosed with hiatus hernia. During that time to fairly recently my health has declined badly resulting in a near death collapse with internal bleeding diagnosed as C diff with complications , CKDand b12 deficiency with neurological complications and also type 2 Diabetes. About 3 years ago my GP advised me to increase the dose as much as I needed.
In hospital I was immediately taken off the lans and Metformin.
I was told the Lans had caused irreparably damage and to never take it or its likes again!
I have to say that whilst I am now very careful with my diet I have not found it hard stopping dead the lans.
I have to be very careful with Metformin but my diet adjustment helps here too.
I will never recover my full health and live with daily pain and discomfort. My GP tefuses to talk to me about it!
Looking at it,they say omeprazole protects your stomach from effects of medication for prevention more than treatment
It's to protect your stomach from the damage tablets like aspirin can cause. If you are unhappy with it, ask to change to famotidine which works differently and seem to have no long term ill effects. On a slightly different note, my husband's voice started to get really croaky; he saw a specialist who said that acid reflux was damaging his voice box. Husband is deaf and didn't hear or listen to the explanation so he ignored it and refused to take them saying he has no stomach problems. I can now barely understand his speech. He has absolutely no symptoms of reflux but it's obviously happening.
I won't add to the wealth of responses about why you were prescribed this, but wish to offer a little advice:
because this medication affects your levels of stomach acid it can have long term consequences for your overall gut health and gut microbiome - yes i know this is a trendy term at the moment, but it really is more important than many people realise - changes in the pH (acid & alkali) balance of your gut contents can affect the organismas which make up your gut flora, just like slight changes in sea temperature can kill coral reefs ( and look what that does to the whole balance of marine ecology)
so my advice it to read up on how to boost your gut flora and maintain the health of your gut microbiome - here are plenty of low and no-cost options which just involve dietary changes
I am in stage 3b kidney failure. A proton pump inhibitor was a contributing factor. PPIs are very hard on your kidneys. With long term use PPIs put you at higher risk for stomach cancer. You are also at high risk for infection because of no stomach acid to neutralize bacteria. Also, a risk for B12 deficiency with PPIs. PPIs are routinely given when medications are prescribed that cause stomach irritation. If you are on such medications ask your doctor if you can take an H2 blocker instead of a PPI. Pepcid AC works for me, and is now the same formulation as Zantac. Although for some reason I do better with Pepcid. Be careful taking formulations that are magnesium based, i.e., Gaviscon. They can interfere with both heart and kidney function.
There seems to be lots of conflicting stories. I have a hiatal hernia and was prescribed PPI’s many years ago. When l queried this with my GP l was told that uncontrolled acid reflux can cause oesophageal cancer. PPl’s are also prescribed for ulcers, stomach and bowel bleeding and various stomach conditions, not just to protect the stomach from medications. As l am at high risk, my GP has recommended l continue this treatment. I don’t like taking them of course but rely on the knowledge and recommendations of my GP who has said because of my health conditions, l am at risk of cancer if l don’t. You may be correct re. the side effects and l am sorry to hear what is happening to you, but it is a difficult time with these meds. Thank you for the advice re, Gaviscon. I wish you well.
Just make sure they keep a close eye on kidney function, i.e., GFR level and Creatinine clearance with a urinalysis to keep an eye for blood and protein in the urine. that is how they caught my problem. All doctors who prescribe PPIs for their patients are supposed to do regular blood work to keep an eye on these issues. Very few do. Demand it. I am now in kidney failure. PPIs are an absolute no no for me. PPIs are one of the medications listed in 10 worst medications for the kidneys. I also take an under the tongue eye dropper of B vitamin supplements daily. Works way better than pills. If you are on long term PPI then a b supplement is necessary as your stomach no longer makes the intrinsic factor to absorb b12. The pills are a waste of money as your stomach can not absorb them. I take a product called BTotal. A liquid in a small white bottle. The only thing I keep an eye on is B6, which can problematic in kidney patients. I avoid oil soluble vitamins, a,d,e,k. Most water soluble vitamins are okay. I have had chronic dyspepsia and reflux for 40 years. A year ago I found two books at my local thrift shop: "Dropping Acid", and the "Low Acid Diet". I followed the diet in the books, not to the letter, just what items were triggers for me. Changed my life dramatically as far as stomach is concerned. I learned one of my biggest triggers is the food additive Citric Acid. I stopped all sweet juice drinks (most have a Ph lower than coca cola), and began to cut out the worst foods on the list in the book. I am now off of Pepcid AC, and rarely even chew Tums. You have my sympathy. Reflux is horrible.
Where do you get your B total phebamom? I steer clear of citric acid myself as it aggravates reflux. I have a book that lists the fruits you can have and all other foods that are good for reflux. I have taken on board what you have said. Thank you. Take care.
I buy at local health food store , but Amazon and several online health food stores carry it. walmart.com/ip/Btotal-the-B... I posted the wal-mart address because it was the shortest one. wal-mart charges 22.00, but most stores carry it for 12.99 or less for two bottles. It raised my b12 so high the doctors had me back off a bit. It is an excellent absorption system for the b vitamins. Do not do more than one eye dropperful per day. The medication can cause something called a niacin flush, harmless, but very uncomfortable for about 20 minutes. The niacin flush is how you know you are getting too much. Amazing how stress depletes the b vitamins. When I was taking care of my mother with cancer, we went to a cancer clinic north of Chicago. After I came home I started taking the Btotal, and ended up taking the entire bottle in one day. I never had a niacin flush. that is how much stress had depleted my store of nutrients.
WOW! We have a shop here in the UK Holland and Barratt, l just looked it up. Will give it a go. Thank you. Look after yourself.
I have taken omeprazole for more than 30 years(now age 76),,,I have GERD and Barrett’s esophagus due to a large hiatal hernia,,,the danger is the Barrett’s which is considered to be precancerous,,,,I have developed multiple polyps lining my stomach over the past 10 years,,,supposed to be due to the omeprazole,,,I have regular endoscopies to remove samples for precancerous screenings,,,,some have been positive so I keep being monitored,,,so far, so good,,,,,my choice is esophageal cancer or stomach cancer,,,,,hoping to stave off both and so I take my meds,,,my doctor feels this is how to go,,I sure hope he’s right!
Some times medical stuff is like being caught between a rock and a hard place. I take a monthly infusion of Actemra. the side-effects listed are so terrifying I won't even read them. I am a cancer survivor so doubly scary. Without Actemra my SED rate goes so high I can't walk across a room and risk total instant blindness. So, like with your PPIs am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Just make sure and demand blood work to test B12 level once a year and kidney function every 6 months. They are not expensive blood tests. If tests are okay it's all good. If not I recommend the BTotal. Keep an eye on your kidneys.
Geoff51Heart Star
I have been on daily Omeprazole for about 10 years following terrible heartburn and acid reflux since my HA 13 years ago with no ill effects. I also take Atorvastatin, Ramipril, Bisoprolol, Aspirin, Amlodipine and Dapagliflozine for my heart. Sukkarto(Metformin) for borderline Diabetes plus inhalers for occupational Asthma. To be perfectly honest apart from the Asthma I feel the best I have for years, I have not had any angina attacks for couple of years and although I carry GTN always I have not had to use it. Just take what is prescribed and it will help your recovery and long term health.
Hi, yellow731,
I was already taking Omeprazole when I had my HA in March 2022. I have been taking that medication since about 1998, when I was diagnosed with gallstones. I have never had my gallbladder removed, so I take the Omeprazole to ward off gallbladder attacks, which are incredibly painful.
I believe that doctors prescribe that drug following a HA because some of our other heart-related drugs can cause stomach issues. I believe that statins may cause some stomach problems and also blood thinners, but I am not an expert in this area.
If your doctor prescribed this medication following your HA, then you likely did benefit from taking it. However, I also feel that it is great if you are able to stop taking it. From my personal experience with taking it, you likely would not experience any immediate effects.
I suggest that you discuss this medication with your doctor. Best wishes! ❤️
thank you i do take statins to , but they is no harm in asking my GP
PPIs (as most drugs) are known “drugmuggers” ie they will impact absorption and/or utilise other (vital) substances. As mentioned above they are also most difficult to come off of with some suffering odd withdrawals far beyond rampant acid productions including neurological issues etc. Many deficiencies will not presents as clear “illnesses” but will impact over all health, like lack of magnesium etc. Speaking sadly from many years of experience and having tapered off several times from various PPIs, always with great difficulty (and no not due to the false “oh well if you are suffering withdrawals it must mean you neeed them” ). I won’t touch them again.
I am on a big cocktail of pills following OHS last year. I was on lanzoprazole to start with, apparently to protect my stomach. However after a few months I developed constant diarrhea that was tracked back to the Lanzop. I stopped it on recommendation of the pharmacist and I've had no issues or side effects from the other drugs for a year. I think they prescribe ppi's as a matter of course.
I stayed with my daughter and sin in law last night as I was taking lanszoprole this morning I asked my son in law (colorectal surgeon) if these can cause issues he said like anything can cause issues but mostly not, he said it gives your tummy slightly less protection against tummy bugs etc but they are better than the alternative of not taking them.
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