Bad reaction with omeprazole 20mg

[Shandon1]

I am getting a bad reaction with omeprazole with prednisolone. Should I continue to take it?

[polkadotcom]

No, omeprazole doesn't suit everyone. I'd go back to the doctor and ask to try another. Or you could eat a live yoghourt before you take the omeprazole and see if that makes any difference.

It doesn't suit me either, but I am on Lansoprazole which is fine for me.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What sort of reaction? There are a few serious ones.

As polkadotcom says - stop and ask for another. You doctor should know if it is a reaction that suggests any of that family of drugs shouldn't be used. Gastroenterologists do wonder why non-gastro people (GPs and other specialties) keep using PPIs (omeprazole and co) when old-fashioned Zantac achieves almost the same effect with fewer side effects! So if you can't get to see your doc in the meantime try OTC Zantac (no doubt there is a cheaper version!).

I've never taken a "stomach protector" other than yoghurt although I did have enteric coated pred at first and the current ones are also effectively that which don't need stomach protection. Taking the pred in the middle of a decent amount of food (not just a biscuit) also helps.

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Dubliner

Both Omeprazole and Lansoprazole caused nasty problems for me. The first was switched to the second after a few days due to a horrid bowel reaction, and the second was stopped shortly afterwards by my rheumatologist at my first appointment due to an unusual pain in my side. I was on 40mgs of steroids at the time so was very nervous about the effects of the Pred on my stomach, but I resorted to eating a 'live' yoghurt with my breakfast to act as a tummy liner before taking the Pred, and never experienced any further problems in that area. I took enteric coated Pred until the very low doses at which enteric-coated aren't available. Is it a similar problem that you are experiencing with Omeprazole - if so, see your GP as soon as possible and either switch to a different pill, or try the 'live' yoghurt.

[honeyadams]

My rheumatologist told me that statins (omeprazole, & others) can give some people muscle pain and/or muscle damage. I would get muscle pain all over starting about 30 minutes after taking the med. It would last all night. I have tried 3 different ones and tried taking only 10 mg of statin but no luck. I am trying diet to manage the high cholesterol until the pmr goes into remission, if it does.

[honeyadams in reply to honeyadams]

oops. Got omeprazole confused with my statin.