Can I stop omeprazole

[Littlefish30]

I have Been on steroids since 2016 had one relapse and resumed steroids

I wanted know if others take omeprazole before taking your steroids as I was worried about long term side effects have been on them for 4 yrs

Could I do without taking omeprazole?

Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Difficult to say - some people can manage by taking their pred with yoghurt, others by taking it in the middle of a meal. In the UK, enteric coated pred is an option and then you shouldn't need the stomach protection.

Often we suggest ranitidine instead, it has fewer and different adverse effects, but currently some brands are subject to a recall which may make it difficult to get or may worry you in the meantime until it is investigated.

And totally forgot to say - don't stop the omeprazole suddenly - you will need to taper off just as if it were pred or it could cause acid problems! A lot of doctors seem unaware of that.

[Littlefish30 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your support will ask for coated steroids x wean off omeprazole slowly

[Hidden]

Hi little fish, do you take coated or uncoated pred? If coated you could taper off the omeprazol. I was on a ppi for over 15years and seem to be ok. When I came off my ppi I tapered it over a month or so. I did alternative days week 1. Week 2 did a 2off 1 on, then 3off 1 on, 4off 1on...then I just stopped. I did take zantac in between, you may be able to get a version of ranitidine that hasn't been withdrawn. By tapering you hopefully avoid rebound reflux.

[Littlefish30 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will reduce slowly

[jinasc]

This tip might just help with those who suffer from Acid Reflux, juice of one unwaxed lemon, microwave 1 minute, squeeze lemon, divide by juice into three and then take one part in water before a meal.

Do not ask me how it works, I don't know, but PMRpro does.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jinasc]

Sorry to disappoint you - I don't! And nor does anyone else really.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

is a good summary of what and why ... But the advice to try small amounts first is sound.

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

Wow................I am now wondering who?

Bookmarked that link.............ta muchly. J's dinner calls.

Pot level...........talking to medics tomorrow.......... will also ask for t'other

What would I do without you two. xxx

[Littlefish30 in reply to jinasc]

Thank you will try that

[Janstr in reply to jinasc]

I've also found that yoghurt helps

[Blearyeyed]

The simple answer , as the others have showed is , we don't know.

Being able to take or stop any medication is an individual thing and has more to do with your overall Health issues and needs than just PMR or starting Steroids.

With New PMR/ GCA sufferers who have had no stomach issues before being diagnosed , and have been given a PPI at the same time " just in case" when starting the Steroids it is easier.

Then forum recommendations usually agree that you take it in the morning , use a portion of probiotic yoghurt with a little honey with the medication and ask for coated pills. If you have nothing else ( drugs or health concerns ) that reacts some of us also benefit from taking Pure Turmeric , ginger tea or peppermint or changing things in the diet that increase acid or the occasional Antacid . Then , if these aren't enough and you have increasing symptoms of acid or stomach cramps we suggest it's time to PPI !

Your situation is more complex , because you have been on a PPI for years , even when you were not on Steroids , which may be for other Health reasons , even if it was originally given to you " just in case" .

If you had bad gastric reflux or stomach problems that only seemed to be helped by your PPI you may be better to stick with it.

At least , until your body has got used to taking steroids again as having withdrawal from Omeprazole whilst getting used to Pred again may make your side effects worse , it's a lot for the body to adjust to at once.

After a month on steroids and if you feel generally ok , that would be the time to consider seeing if you can swap the PPI for more natural alternatives.

In the meantime , you can prepare your body for the change by getting coated medications , and beginning the daily regime of taking the pills with yoghurt , and removing acidic or sugary foods from the diet.

Then when you come off Omeprazole you body is more ready for it.

But be aware , if you have been on it for a number of years , you will have at least a week of extra acid reflux symptoms and heartburn as your body adjusts to coping with the change.

You can try eating smaller portions of food or having a little yoghurt before meals , drinking more fluids and having ginger or peppermint after food ( if you are allowed ) and using an Antacid for quick attacks during that week.

If after a week or two you find that things aren't improving , or getting worse , you will probably need the PPI again.

And , obviously , if you get severe symptoms early , you would need to start it again immediately .

Although , if you find these difficulties continue but you would prefer to try something other than a PPI you can go and discuss other alternatives with the GP.

Hope that helps.

[Littlefish30 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thank you for that very helpful information will take that on board