Omeprazole as a PRN

[Heythrop51]

When my GP added a mini-aspirin to my betablocker.and statin he also added Omeprazole as a stomach protector. I recently found out a friend is on similar meds but only takes Omeprazole when he has heartburn or reflux which seems to be four or five times a week. When I said the idea is to prevent issues not treat them he disagreed. He refused to go and discharged with his GP. I am sure I am right but am I?

[Bluehope81]

Can be used in both scenarios. it is a PPI, proton pump inhibitor.

[Taviterry]

I'm prescribed an alternative, Lansoprazole. My surgeon said I didn't need it, my GP said I did, my surgeon repeated that I didn't, my GP issued a prescription. When I started taking the pills, two or three months of bloating and violent wind eased within days. Now I only take them when I have minor stomach discomfort a couple of times a month.

[MountainGoat52]

It seems to be fairly common practice for GPs to prescribe PPIs as a matter of course. Mine did and it made me very unwell, so unwell I couldn't get out of bed. PPIs are now on my medication blacklist and I rely on Gaviscon to deal with any minor issues. Again Gaviscon is usually used as a prevention, but I use it as a treatment. It works for me.

[Ennasti]

You are both correct.

I was on esomeprazole every day - until it caused a severe B12 deficiency. I was then advised to take it only as needed. My pharmacist says to take it before I start having symptoms and when I’m going to eat or drink something that would normally set it off but that is impossible to know as I don’t have precise food triggers. So I take it when symptoms first begin to hit, as my doctor advised, and it works perfectly well. I only need mine once or twice every few weeks.

[T666]

omeprazole can be an occasional as and when you need it, however, if a person takes aspirin regularly ie daily. The omeprazole is an ‘As well’ drug to protect from the potential damage of regular aspirin

I’m no doctor but this is my understanding as an aspirin omeprazole Daily user

Equally I would say turning our back on the doctor (expert) is not the best path forward

If an electrician is required or any other trade to turn our bank on them because we may not like what they say or do is nothing short of Denial…. Try it with your MOT, insurance, tyre tread and you endanger other life plus risk fines or prison

Try it with your own health at worst you die. Potential for complications like stroke and other life and family impacting trauma….

Sounds dramatic and at the end of the day it’s personal choice. A bit like telling a child not to touch a hot oven or pan. Some listen but a lot will touch the hot item

[Taviterry in reply to T666]

But, T666, what to decide to do when one gets conflicting advice, as I did (see above)? And my GP initially recommended Omeprazole - when it's contraindicated when taking Clopidogrel, as I do! Then she offered me a choice of Omeprazole or Lansoprazole and when I didn't reply to he message issued a prescription for the latter. I view my occasional use as a compromise with the conflicting advice I've been given. It'll be interesting to see what the Cardiologist says when I see him on Thurdsay.

[Silvermedal]

I was advised to take Omeprazole when I was prescribed low-dose aspirin but declined. When I started to get symptoms of stomach discomfort I started on 10 mg which generally works, but when I get symptoms occasionally, I can double the dose. Drs generally offer 20mg but if you have concerns, it's worth asking if you can have 10mg.