Lansaprozole

Does everyone who's had an oesphgectomy need to take a ppi. I only ask because i.ve been taking 30mg twice a day for the last two years and wonder if it's necessary . I was going to ask for a review but unable to see anyone at the moment . I don't want to do anything that might cause problems. But not sure if keep taking them is causing problems I have compressed back fractures but don't know if there's a connection.

[Mauser1905]

Not everybody is precribed a PPI after oesophagectomy.

Neessary to continue for long term? CLinical advice for the PPI is for short term and longer term may require a regular review of continuing or not as well checking bloods for capturing issues on the side. However with the UK system this does not happen for everybody for a variety of reasons.

compressed back fractures have a link to lack of calcium in your body and thats directly linked to overuse of PPI on longer term. 60mg daily for an oesophagectomy survivor is definitely going to make your nutrition absorption as inefficient and perhaps incline towards defficient.

I do not take ppi at all. However I do take gaviscon advance chewables in the night just when sleeping if I had late food and or some physical exertion and perhaps extra spicy foods.just to quietn the burn in the night and help me sleep peacefully.

PPI's have their specific use and times.

An oesophagectomy survivor has compromised digestion system for obvious reasons. Nutrition supplementation requires to be provided for each unique condition to balance the compromised capabilities.

[Hidden in reply to Mauser1905]

Hi Mauser thanks for your reply i.m definitely going to try to speak to someone if only to try and reduce the amount I take. It's difficult to speak to anyone at the moment but I have an appointment with an orthopedic doctor so I will see if he can help me out at all . After my op a nurse said to me that I must carry on taking them so didn't question it I just thought everyone who's had the op has to take them .

[Mauser1905 in reply to Hidden]

Suggest reaching out your local Phramacist and asking them to do a medicine review for you. They have knowledge and ability to provide advice to you. Please do not be discouraged reaching appropriate care.

You can also reach out to your Cancer Nurse Specialist at your local hospital with whom you may have talked.

Yes also have the consultation with your orthopaedic doctor.

Has your full bloods been checked recently?

[liz_crisp]

Hi Molly I did try and stop a few years after my Op but got diagnosed with Barratts at a check up endescopy so now take 60mg a day religiously. Don't stop without talking to the doc and making sure you can have a check up regularly. I still had no pain from reflux really just the odd time I ate the wrong thing or was ill.

[Hidden in reply to liz_crisp]

Hi Liz I never get reflux and was quite happy taking them till I got these back fractures and have read that this could have been caused by lansaprozole but I was also told radiation I had on the chest could have caused them 🙄so I don't have any proper answers which is very frustrating. I don't know what to do 🤔

[Molly14 in reply to Hidden]

I tend to agree with Liz - it’s the ‘silent’ reflux you have to watch - I tried doing without for a year but ended up with a terrible cough all the time which went away when I went back on the Lansoprazole - I’m on 30mg a day plus Gaviscon advance at night - best to try get some advice

[CBG1965]

I was prescribed 30mg twice a day initially after surgery in September 2019 which was then reduced to 30mg once a day. However, I found that I was suffering with reflux late in the evening so asked my GP if I could change the dose to 15mg twice per day (so still 30mg per day) and I have found it to be much better. I take one when I wake up and one before dinner and I feel this spreads the effectiveness.

[Hidden in reply to CBG1965]

Hi CBG1965 thanks I think it going to be worth me asking if I could maybe reduce my dose a little i.m quite concerned if it is the lansaprozole causing the back fractures because they are extremely painful and stop me doing things and I don't want them to keep happening . I.m going to see the orthopedic doctor so i.ll let you know if he comes up with any answers .

[Popsic]

I have been on 40mg omeprazole since mine In. 2013, I tried cutting down but the reflux was pretty bad, it's the lesser of two evils I think.

[SurreyGuy]

Hi Molly,

My op was 14 years ago and I take them only when necessary. Usually just for a week if I feel I have some irritation going on. This happens about three or four times a year. I ty not to hinder absorption with any medications as I also have SIBO as a consequence of the surgery so I try to keep everything flowing as best as possible,

[kiddy]

Hi Molly, I’m nearly 5 years on and still take 30mg twice a day and gaviscon.

Tried cutting down and came back worse.

I think you should consult someone before coming off they may just say take 1 at night. We are all different but you don’t want a big flare up especially now.

Best wishes

Debbie

[DavidP]

Hello Molly,Long-term PPI use is associated with adverse effects on vitamin B12, magnesium and calcium absorption, and increased risk of bone (including vertebral) fracture. Lansoprazole 30mg twice daily is a high dose especially as lansoprazole is designed (principally) for once daily use. I have taken Lansoprazole 30mg once daily for 9+ years by try to space the doses to every other day now. The risk of course is silent reflux and the consequences. I don't have reflux symptoms. David

[Hidden in reply to DavidP]

Hi everyone i.ve been to see the orthopedic doctor today and my back fractures have nearly healed which is great news. I asked her if they could have been caused by lansaprozole and she said it was a possibility although they could have been caused by radiation to the chest so she said the best thing was to speak to the doctor who did my surgery when I next see him but I have a feeling he.ll probably say the same. I suppose it's difficult to know what caused them.

[walking-in-wales]

I started on lansoprazole, recommended by the surgeon, but weaned myself off after a few months with no problems & have not needed to take anything such as antacids either. Two years since my oesopho-gastrectomy. So certainly worth a review. Everyone will have different experiences & reactions, but as others say long term use can have its own problems. Can easily go back on or on a lower dose & see what works for you. Good luck.

[Buzzboy]

Hi Molly. I've been taking Lansoprozole 30mg once per day for over 10 years. I have tried several times to wean myself off, but after a couple of days I wake up with my lungs flooded with bile. Not pleasant and I'm told dangerous. Best not to read (or believe!) the Daily Mail who regularly campaign against PPIs. Perhaps try a lower dose rather than going cold turkey....

[grandylynda]

I was told that I would always need lanzoprazol after Ivor Lewis surgery. I take 30mg in the morning.However, having been on a calcium supplement for 5 years, I now have osteoporosis. It was osteopeanea 5 years ago. Well in fact nearer 6 since my follow up bone density scan was delayed due to covid. Not sure it would have ever happened if I hadn't reminded the GPs after fracturing my wrist I am now waiting to see a consultant. I'm getting cynical in my old age and do wonder if medical people ever look at you as a whole. I have read that lanzoprazol can interfere with absorption of some minerals etc. Its a discussion on my list waiting to be had. Good luck