Famotidine

[Cavalierrubie]

Has anyone had side effects from this drug? I have recently been prescribed this drug and my skin is itching. Just wondered if anyone has had this. Thanks.

[Badger2024]

I’ve been on famotidine for two months now prescribed by my nephrologist. My kidney function went downhill last year. Turns out it was caused by taking esomeprazole (nexium) for the last six years. Can never take a PPI again and now have chronic kidney disease for the rest of my life. Famotidine is safer for the kidneys being an H2 blocker but doesn’t work as well. I haven’t had any itchy skin but now that you mention it my face is much dryer and I’m using a thicker moisturiser

Beware of long term PPI use peeps!!

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Badger2024]

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. That’s awful for you. Thanks for your reply and sharing your experiences. Take care.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Badger2024]

Hi, I too have developed CKD by being on PPI's for 8 years. I am trying to get on with Famotidine and Gaviscon but it is very difficult with acid rebound after being on PPI's so long. How low did your eGFR go down to if you don't mind my asking?

[Badger2024 in reply to ParkSchool5]

That sucks. Big pharma don’t give a damn about anything except their profits. PPI’s should not be used long term yet so many people get repeat prescriptions. I never thought to google whether they were safe or not and just trusted my doctor. It took a while for the famotidine to work at all. I stopped the PPI cold turkey which can cause a rebound effect where the acid reflux gets much worse before it gets better again. The famotidine works best if I take it on an empty stomach about an hour before eating so first thing in the morning then at about 6pm. I have a glug of Gaviscon after each meal then just before going to sleep. Bed raised six inches. Not as good as PPI but it’s working better now than at first.

My eGFR was 46 in January. Get it done again next month. How about yours?

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Badger2024]

Hi, I only discovered my CKD during a routine blood test last year. My GP has had me on repeat PPI's for 8 years and still never mentioned any connection. My eGFR varies between 48 and 59 over the last 9 months. My GP has never even mentioned CKD to me, so I paid to see a Nephrologist for advice. I also have high BP and tried Ramipril but that caused my eGFR to drop to 48 so I stopped them. It's a nightmare knowing what meds are safe to take and which will make it worse. I pay to have monthly blood tests to monitor my eGFR as my GP doesn't seem bothered (are they ever!).

[Badger2024 in reply to ParkSchool5]

You can just ask your local pharmacist if you’re worried about safety of a drug. They know so much more than the GP. High blood pressure is one of the worst things for CKD. Perhaps you should take it daily. Red meat very bad too so I’ve stopped that along with salt of course

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Hi Sue. It must be very difficult for you coming off PPI’s . I take it you have changed your diet while you are doing this? Only I find chilled almond milk is good as it’s alkaline and almonds aid digestion. I think you will find a list of foods to eat for acid reflux if you google. I think the acid is supposed to subside after a while. I hope it does for you. I have dr’s appointment on Thursday and going to ask some questions. I need to get off these Omeprazole as well but can’t do it alone. Hope you soon feel better. Ps. Someone l know used to take mastic gum. Perhaps you could ask chemist?

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi Christine, thanks for your message. I have started to alternate Omeprazole and Famotidine every other day with Gaviscon at night. Last time I tried to wean off PPI's, the awful acid rebound started after about 10 days which I haven't reached yet. Thanks for the tip about trying Almond milk. I have tried Soy milk in the past. I do think I may be lactose intolerant as well, so that's something I could try and reduce. As I am Celiac as well, it can lead to other intolerances. Good luck at your GP appointment next week, I hope you get some helpful advice. p.s. I will look into the mastic gum, anything is worth a try at this stage. Regards, Sue.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

When l had hiatus hernia flare up the dr gave me Famotidine together with Omeprazole. You are wise to alternate until your body adjusts. All these drugs are so worrying. I find the Gaviscon double action tablets work much better than the liquid. I take them at night. Poor you, the acid must be horrible. It’s like a fire burning inside isn’t it? I know you probably have lots of knowledge, but don’t eat big meals and cut down sugar. Sugar causes inflammation and just stokes the fire. I hope you get on alright. I don’t have any other tips. Drink lots of warm boiled water, not cold and that will help your kidney’s as well. I only have one cup of tea during the day as it aggravates things. Take care and lots of get well wishes.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thanks so much for your message. I will definitely try the Gaviscon double action tablets, I have only ever used the liquid before. Also the tip about sipping boiled, warm water. I have a small main meal at lunchtime and a snack around 7.00 p.m. Only water after that. I have been trying the ph water Actiph which I think helps a little. Regards, Sue.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Perhaps be good idea to take Vit B supplements as Vit B6 helps the kidneys. I take a vitamin B complex and vitamin D. Hope your doggy, Daisy, is enjoying the sunshine. Mine lays on a pouffe in the window looking out to the garden, sunbathing. Such is life! 😊

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi, unfortunately it is pouring with rain all day in Hampshire, (typical bank holiday weather). Daisy is lying in her bed miserable because she hates the rain. I think the rest of the week is sunny. Regards, Sue.

[Treetop33]

I've been on it for four weeks now. I found it pretty hard going at first, but my body has gotten used to it and it really helps with the acid reflux (I think I also have Mast Cell issues). I think with all of us there is so much going on it's hard to tell what is causing issues. So it may be or may not. Get in touch with your docs perhaps?

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Treetop33]

Thanks Treetop. It is difficult when you get lots of things wrong to be able to define where things are coming from. I have at last got appointment with GP so hopefully be able to discuss things. I am writing a list of all the questions lol. The appointment is like gold dust. So much lack of care and no help. Thanks for your response. Have a lovely bank holiday.

[Badger2024 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Are you in the UK? Why is there such a shortage of GPs? Are you in a rural area? Perhaps they’re all moving to Australia. Most of the GPs in our local Medical Centre are English. In all seriousness though I can’t understand what’s happening over there. I trained as a nurse in the 80’s and people were so appreciative of the NHS. Very sad. It desperately needs more funding

[Treetop33 in reply to Badger2024]

We have a government who believes we are peasants or worker pawns undeserving of special privileges like healthcare, underpinned by the fact that none of them use the NHS.

[Badger2024 in reply to Treetop33]

😢