I am wondering if Mycophenolate is making my acid reflux worse.

[Jude65]

I have been taking Mycophenolate 1500 mg a day for nearly 2 years. But recently I find that the meds I have taken for ages to control my gut problems (acid reflux, wind and stomach ache) don't seem to be controlling it any more.

I have done all the things one is supposed to do like eating small meals, no food 2 hours before bed, no chocolate or citrus fruits, no alcohol or coffee, no fatty foods (what is left to eat?) but the acid and discomfort in my chest is no better. My GP has also asked me to try doubling the doses of Lansoprazole and Ranitidine but it just makes me feel a bit dizzy and does not solve the problem.

I have tried staying upright after eating, drinking milk, eating bananas, drinking Camomile and fennel tea but there has been little benefit.

Can anyone come up with some suggestions?

[Silvermyst]

Hi, sounds like you are having a rough time

I am on MMF too but have not experienced this symptom. I would suggest contacting your specialist nurse or consultant as they will have more experience of the side effects of immune-suppressant meds than your GP. They may be able to offer suggestions as to how to deal with the problem and look into what is causing it in first place.

Really hope you get some relief from this soon x

[Jude65]

Thank you silvermyst. It is good to know that not everyone on MMF gets acid reflux or indigestion. I have, today, made an appointment to see my Lupus Nurse next week as I am not due to see the consultant until May. I hope I can sort out the problem and get some relief.

Keep well!

[ches]

Are you taking anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief.....Arthrotec for example.....they often cause problems with the lining of the stomach if taken over long periods.

[Jude65 in reply to ches]

Thanks for your thoughts, ches. No I do not take NSAIDS but think that prednisolone and mycophenolate do also cause problems in the gut.

Jude xx

[Nightjar]

I don't know your age - but - women over 40 (I'm 65) often lack acid rather than having too much (as is common with males). Perhaps you could be tested to see which it is.

In the past, a GP wanted to put me on antacids and advised me to avoid citrus fruits etc. I had fresh grapefruit every morning, lemon juice on my daily salad and a glass of red with my dinner and felt it helped ..a bit - certainly didn't get worse. So, as I didn't agree with the GP (..just felt it wasn't right), I got some digestive enzymes with Betaine HCL in a health-food shop.

I took (still do) 1 tablet (or capsule) with every meal and very soon ..no more 'acid' problems. I use Higher Nature's products and now buy the enzymes (and other supplements) on-line, so delivered to my door.

For inflammations 'inside' I take Aloe Vera Juice (Holland & Barrett often have good offers) ..has been a good help, so always have a bottle in my cupboard.

Hope you find something that suits you. xxx

[Jude65]

Nightjar, thank you for taking the trouble to tell me about your solutions to your problem. The digestive enzymes sound interesting - I will look into these more.

Jude xx