omeperazole with methotrexate

[MichMx]

I have RA and taking Sulfasalazine and Methotrexate (20 mg orally). I take Omeperazole too as a protector as was initially taking Celecoxib for pain relief before my symptoms were under control. I no longer require pain relief so I’m wondering if I need to continue with Omeperazole? Are others taking this?

thank you

[bpeal1]

Think this is a question for your rheumatology team or if you can’t get hold of them try a pharmacist.

[Gymcactus]

I too take methotrexate and sulfa, but my sulfa is the enteric coated one which protects the stomach so have never needed any other med with them and never needed pain relief yet.

[JenniferW]

As bpeal1 said it's a question for your rheumy team, but generally I think we are not encouraged to take omeprazole long term if we can avoid it, due to the side effects. I take it when I am using naproxen, but stop in between.

Incidentally if I happen to be taking it when I take my methotrexate dose, the side effects on my stomach from the methotrexate are less, so you may find you feel the ill effects of methotrexate a bit more if you stop. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[MichMx in reply to JenniferW]

Thank you. Really helpful.

[Scottishlad]

If you stop the omeprazole you get a temporary rebound in stomach acid levels and may need to take antacids and or alginates for a period.

[CallMeSunny in reply to Scottishlad]

Thanks for this information Scottishlad, I’m grateful for it. Esomeprazole was originally prescribed for me 20 years ago when, it was explained to me when asking how long I could take it, that it was safe to use for life. Unfortunately I did require a daily tablet, first because I had acid reflux which seemed to cause sore throats which quickly led to oral infections. On I went with it, then I was told I definitely would need it as I was about to start MTX (tabs initially). Of late, I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis & weak bones’ and then I read Esomeprazole is known to be a factor in the development of osteoarthritis. So I stopped,was prescribed Famotidine . I had awful acid reflux for 10 days, so much so, I couldn’t/didn’t want to eat because of the burning, refluxing acid and felt quite ill. Thankfully, it’s gradually easing and I’m able to reduce Gaviscon usage but I’m having to be extremely cautious with what I eat, when and how much. Swallowing tablets has been very tricky too. Where did you discover the information please?

[Gottarelax]

I was on Lansoprazole with Naproxen when on MTX and Sulpha. But when I stopped Naproxen I also stopped Lansoprazole (I had not been advised that it was required with MTX and Sulpha). In my review, I said that I'd stopped taking the Lanasoprazole and the consultant just checked that I was not suffering any stomach issues which I am not and said there was no need to go back on it. Having said that I'm on injected MTX and enteric coated sulpha.