severe acid reflux on chlopidigrol

[Midi000]

Hi,

I’m two years into a diagnosis of heart disease with 5 stents. I m on a very low dose combination statin due to a bad reaction to statin that put me in liver failure. I’m also on chlopidigrol . The latter appears to be causing chronic painful heartburn and gastritis. I was on pantropazole but as I have bad bone density I didn’t want to stay on it long term . I use over the counter anti acids which help,in part but this is a constant problem’ . My cardiologist doesn’t want me to stop the blood thinner but I’m getting desperate. I’ve tried cutting them in half as I they only come in 75 mg tablets , which seemed to help but with limited success. Has anyone else had this problem and found a good solution?

[BC4ever]

I'm in exactly the same boat! Following...

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Have you discussed this with a pharmacist? They often have a more informed view of medication and it's side effects as that is their specialism. For example you could discuss trying another PPI or swapping out clopidogrel for something else. And as far as taking a PPI long term I have taken medium to high strength PPIs for well over 15 years for reflux disease and don't get any side effects and I apparently have no signs of low bone density. All that said in the end it might be a question of balancing taking medication at a different dose and accepting a high medical risk in one area. Hope you find a solution.

[Taviterry]

After my TAVI my surgeon prescribed Ramipril and Clopidogrel. A couple of weeks later, my GP contacted me to say that I should take an antacid and bizarrely suggested Omeprazole (which is generally said to be contraindicated). My surgeon said I didn't need an antacid. My GP then offered me a choice of Omoprazole or Lansoprazole. When I didn't reply, she issued a prescription for the latter which the chemist provided the next time I collected other medications.

That was more than two months after my op and I was experiencing severe bloating and violent wind, so I started the Lansoprazole and had almost instant relief. Now I take it only when I have slight stomach discomfort, a policy endorsed by the cardiologist who gave me a routine review in December.

I have concocted a "magic potion" of apple cider vinegar and bicarbonate of soda - I understand that the latter has antacid properties - which has the advantage of tasting nice. (Waitrose sells a particularly pleasant ACV blended with pomegranate and blueberry juice.) If I need to take something that's good for me I might as well enjoy it!