Beware of Lansoprazole

I have taken this drug for years for acid reflux. Last year, during a medical check, it was found that my blood count was so low it was almost at needing a transfusion level. I was put on Ferrous Fumarate which brought my level up but my ferritin level is still low. I had an endoscopy and it was discovered that I have multiple polyps in my stomach due to taking this drug long-term and now have to have them removed and also awaiting biopsy results. I was never told of this possible side-effect and am so angry. Please be careful.

[Eton]

hi I also have multiple funding gland polyps but was told they are benign and do not need removed. I have never been on pips except for two months 7 years ago.

[Hidden in reply to Eton]

They tested a couple which were benign so fingers crossed. There have been lawsuits in USA against the makers. There are no warnings.

[mjames1]

I would get a second opinion on getting them removed if the biopsy is benign.

Jim

[Hidden in reply to mjames1]

Yes, I've just read that they can disappear when you stop the medication.

[Deb2314]

I think you'll find most ppi if taken long term may cause stomach polyps. It can also be hereditary.

[Hidden in reply to Deb2314]

The encologist's report states that they were caused by long-term use of PPI. In the UK there is no warning about possibly causing polyps and I just want to warn others.

[Deb2314 in reply to Hidden]

There is plenty of info online

[Hidden in reply to Deb2314]

That's where I found out all my information as the doctor told me nothing and nor did the information leaflet enclosed in the packaging.

[Jumpey]

There is always a downside with drugs.Huge good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Jumpey]

Yes, but I'm furious at there being no warning.

[Jumpey in reply to Hidden]

I agree.Deplorable.

[ParkSchool5]

Hi, I have been on Omeprazole for seven years and at my last Endoscopy in 2019 I had 15 benign fundic gland polyps. They took two for biopsy which was clear. Goodness knows how many I have now! I take 10mg Omeprazole daily, so lowest dose. They have started to put these polyps as a possible side effect on the leaflet with the meds.

[Hidden in reply to ParkSchool5]

I was on Omeprazole before Lansoprazole and, like you, two tested were benign but 8 more biopsies taken.I'm just so angry that there is no warning on the packaging or the doctor.

Great news if they have added a warning.

[Hidden in reply to ParkSchool5]

I was only sent for a gastroscopy after the doctor found I was losing blood from somewhere. I was almost at blood transfusion level so was prescribed Ferrous Fumarate to bring the level up.I'm now taking a liquid like Gaviscon.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, my Ferritin level has been between 13 and 15 in the last year. The doctor prescribed FF but I can't take it as it aggravates my GERD and acid reflux, so I take low dose iron tablets which don't seem to help much. The Doctor's just put our meds on repeat presc. and don't warn of side effects. Once you are on PPI's, it's so hard to come off them. I have tried several times, weaning off, but the rebound acid is so bad I end up back on them. It's so difficult as Famotidine (with less side effects) does not work as well.

[Hidden in reply to ParkSchool5]

Yes FF does irritate my stomach too but was worse when combined with Lansoprazole.Try a liquid form of antacid like Gaviscon.

I'm feeling so much better.

They put the medication on repeat prescription with no checks.

[Hidden in reply to ParkSchool5]

I have just received a herbal med called Slippery Elm which is said to be good but haven't tried it yet but doing great on the Gaviscon-type liquid. I'll never take a PPI again.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for letting me know about Slippery Elm, I will try some.

[Hidden in reply to ParkSchool5]

Worth a try. Have a read about it.

[Poodles59 in reply to Hidden]

Sadly slippery elm did nothing for me☹️

[ReallyWondering in reply to ParkSchool5]

Try weaning off gradually. Like every other day for a month, using gaviscon when needed. That’s how I was able to wean off omeprazole, which was causing more harm than good. I now have pernicious anemia and need B12 shots permanently.

[Hidden in reply to ReallyWondering]

I would urge everyone to do that.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to ReallyWondering]

Thanks for your reply. I will certainly try again to wean off Omeprazole. Last time I think I tried over a week with Famotidine and Gaviscon, but burning reflux came back with a vengeance after a week, so in desparation I went back on it. I will try over a longer period, I would love to stop it after all these years.

[ReallyWondering in reply to ParkSchool5]

It took a few weeks of heartburn for me before things calmed down. I now just occasionally take gaviscon when it’s bad or pepsid complete if it’s not as bad. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to ParkSchool5]

I'm doing fine on the liquid, tablets and started Slippery Eel. I will never, ever take a PPI.Try to preserve on non PPI medication and good luck.

[Opelcorsa]

Thank you for that. I'm years on it also

[Hidden in reply to Opelcorsa]

Please try alternatives like what I've mentioned.

[Boomer1954]

I had stomach polyps too. Always benign. It's common but not threatening. Low blood count is unusual. I'd never heard of that side effect, but medications affects us all differently. Good luck and Thxs for sharing

[Hidden in reply to Boomer1954]

Thank you. I just had to warn others to be careful and tell their doctor of any unexplained symptoms. I had been very tired and fell asleep on the couch as soon as I got out of bed. Months ago, I woke up with an unexplained black eye.

[chotiroti]

I took Omeprazole for years, and for a while a heavy dose but it did't make much difference so I stopped, but I have had eye problems - torn retina etc. - and on researching have found there is a link to eye problems! |Try getting a spray or something likeGlandosane (notavailable these days,dunnowhy) to coat yourthroat etc. at night.

[John1922]

I been taken them for 7 years but today been given

gaviscon advance chewable peppermint