When to take Medication

[Suzie42]

My problem is..... I take loads of different meds for CLL & IPF also for gout, diabetes and heart. They all have side effects I know, but recently I have been diagnosed with acid reflux probably due to the meds. I am being referred to gastro. I was thinking should I space meds out more ie I take 7 tablets after breakfast all at once as they need to be taken after food, but should I space them more. Even drinking water is giving me indigestion. Omeprazole made it worse, only Gaviscon extra helps but my CNS says not to take with Calquence. Until I have a gastro app I don't know what to do, it's making me really miserable. Any ideas?

[MistyMountainHop]

Sadly, I don't have any answers. But I would say that some meds given for high blood pressure cause gout, as I found out to my cost....... unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the one that caused the problem for me....it was a long time ago....

You may find this link useful...

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

[Suzie42 in reply to MistyMountainHop]

My diabetes caused the gout. I've had aortic valve replacement si am only on Asprin and Statins for heart, no blood pressure tablets

[mrsjsmith]

Couple of thoughts. My hospital has a specialist Haematology pharmacist so worth checking if you have as well and mine is certainly very knowledgeable. Your local pharmacy might help but they are unlikely to have any experience with CLL drugs. Sorry about the acid reflux, I had for a while but now it’s only every couple of weeks, and at least I know I am not having a heart attack. I found deep breathing helped 🤞

Colette

[Suzie42 in reply to mrsjsmith]

Thank you. I will ask the oncology pharmacist when I collect my drugs in a couple of weeks

[opal11uk]

Yes, thats what I have done and to good effect. Drugs often do not 'marry' well so working within the packet instructions and contraindications I have a daily pill box so arrange mine accordingly. I have also found taking a dry Rich Tea biscuit after the drugs has helped and last thing before I go to bed, and last meds, I also drink a small amount of Biogut which I find has stopped the reflux and indigestion altogether.

[Suzie42]

Thank you, I will try the biogut

[Katie-LMHC-Artist]

I started to get some acid reflux/heartburn on Zanabrutinib. I increased my water intake and I feel like I have it under control. I know you’re taking other meds too. Just a thought. Take care!

[The-Man-with-a-Plan]

Suzie

I'm like you. I take a boatload of prescription meds every day (9). Early on, I learned not to take them all at once.

The good news: by spacing out the meds, I've reduced some of the potential side effects.

The bad news: I'm taking pills 4 different times each day.

Also, you may want to find out if the drugs you've been prescribed have any untoward side effects when combined. Consulting with your oncology/hematology PharmD is vitally important.

WebMD also offers an on-line drug/drug interaction checker: webmd.com/interaction-check...

MwaP

[Suzie42 in reply to The-Man-with-a-Plan]

Thank you. I have tried to find out all interactions but when I asked the pharmacist about one that was mentioned he said it was fine. I think I need to ask oncology pharmacist

[Maranman]

Try a single banana 10 minutes before your tablets, I take about 15 all at once including heart, gut and vitamin D and Omeprazole too 🤬

[Suzie42 in reply to Maranman]

I will give it a try thanks

[SofiaDeo]

I space my pills out. 7 at a time sounds like a lot. If I take more than 4 at a time I get acid stomach/nausea. Can you take some at lunch, or supper, or bedtime?

[Suzie42 in reply to SofiaDeo]

That's what I have been thinking. I need most after food and some are just one daily. I am trying to space them out a bit now. It's very hard though

[SofiaDeo in reply to Suzie42]

I set alarms on my phone. And as I take a once a day pill, I turn the bottle upside down so I know I took it. For 2 or 3 times a day ones, after I take pill #1 I put the others on top of the upside down bottle. So I can see at a glance how many I have left to take. When I have errands, I use a small portable pill holder that holds a few.

[Suzie42 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Yes I have alarms on my phone too. My meds are all in packets, but I get the days pills out and put them on the counter where I see them, at the end of the day if any are left I know I've forgotten to take them. Although that rarely happens. I have started to space them out now and reflux has improved a touch

[SofiaDeo in reply to Suzie42]

I was so sick when first diagnosed, I had to set alarms to remember to drink water! Eventually I got to where I didn't need so many alarms. Have a chat with your chemist, they may have some suggestions like food/no food for certain ones, which ones shouldn't be taken together, etc.

[Suzie42 in reply to SofiaDeo]

Thank you, good advise. Will do