Do be careful with the use of PPIs

[Simba1992]

More and more studies are popping up on the adverse effects of PPIs. The effect of long term use of the med on kidney function may be an important subject to take up with your doctor.

medicine.wustl.edu/news/pop...

[Elisee55]

They are associated with developing microscopic colitis, which I found out the hard way. It's very debilitating.

[Simba1992 in reply to Elisee55]

That is unfortunately not the only adverse effect. The silent effect on kidneys discribed in article above is very worrisome and seldom mentioned by doctors.

[medway-lady in reply to Simba1992]

I have Acute Interstatial Nephritus cused by Omeprazole and its very, very rare so please don't frighten people. With 25% kidney function gone and only 20 % working my life will never be the same and could get a lot worse BUT I STRESS THIS IS AN EXTREMELLY RARE IMMUNUNOLOGICAL REACTION. It is so rare and our kidney function is tested when on RA meds so any warning sign should be picked up. In my case the RA nurse picked up the problem and same day I was called into local major trauma centre 'we've a bed for you you must come in now' telephone call. I've had great treatment from the nhs its now just time and hope. I'm on a mission lets not frighten people just be aware to get the blood tests done regularly as this medication can be bought OTC when no follow up is done.

[Simba1992 in reply to medway-lady]

A realistic understanding of the adverse effects of PPIs I find very important for everyone using them. There are ways to minimize risks as you say by following up kidney function regularly. I am so sorry about your difficult situation and since the damage is gradual, not effecting everyone but still like said in the above link the % found in longterm users was still significant. Important to catch it in time.

There are also milder meds as H2 blockers, that can be tried and that many doctors have switched to as more adverse affects are revealed.

[medway-lady in reply to Simba1992]

It was not gradual damage, acute means sudden and between a 4 week period. I've read some of these studies from America and a lot are seemingly alarming but not related to RA but US veterans so as I said be cautious and get the blood tests done but be not alarmed or alarm people. Be guided by the facts its rare so unlikely and to be honest nearly all medications have side effects. My immune system just responded differently and after 4 years too. I think we are the lucky ones as we get blood tests I wonder how many just buy this OTC and think nothing of it, that might be the silent problem.

[Simba1992 in reply to medway-lady]

Your acute kidney damage differs from the silent damage that the link above describes and that is caused by long term PPI use.

[medway-lady in reply to Simba1992]

But not for RA patients who do get blood tests. Sorry Simba I think this has to be taken in context of RA.

[Windyspinsthewind]

Taking Lansoprazole 30mg daily worries me, it can also cause osteoporosis. My doctor however, insists I need to take it and was so unhappy when I wanted to cut it down to 15mg, that I ended up back on 30mg. He says I have to take it as two years ago, I ended up with severe anaemia due to taking NSAIDS without supervision (no PPI), I nearly died, especially as I had a wrong diagnosis by a different doctor at the emergency centre who said it was a virus and I had to let it run its course. It was suspected that the anaemia was caused by an ulcer, I wouldn't have the cameras up and down to confirm it. He says the risk of my having another bleed from the suspected ulcer is greater than the side effects of the Lansoprazole. So although I am not happy taking it, I am not allowed to come off it.

[Simba1992 in reply to Windyspinsthewind]

Hello Wsw,

I do understand your worry. The ill effects of PPIs are more and more evident through research, especially in long term use. However there are also softer meds to control acid. Have you talked about H2 blockers? If you combine these with alternative dietary measures and pain meds that are less erosive, you may find a better alternative to L. Good luck.e

healthline.com/health/gerd/...

[medway-lady in reply to Windyspinsthewind]

Just ask about Ad Cal it (Vit D) which protects against Oestoporosis. A chewy pill twice a day and fruit flavoured, its actually nice!! And do not about panic kidney damage (DIAIN) from PPI is very rare its a very safe drug and all medications have risks. Asprin can kill as can Paracetamol. I think its about risk and balancing the risk thus your risk of problems caused by an ulcer is greater that the Lansprazole. I've been unlucky but in my view their is so much on the internet which can be seen as misguided as we don't have medical degrees so don't really understand the context in which the article is written. I'd always be guided by a real doctor and suggest if your really worried that you talk to the doctor again, but a problem can be picked up by regular blood tests so do try not to worry.