Omeprazole

[dolphin39]

I was diagnosed with PMR over 4 years ago and have been taking pred, AA and omeprazole ever since. I have now been diagnosed with osteopenia and have gastric problems. I have stopped the AA but if I stop the omeprazole should I taper it?

[SheffieldJane]

Apparently stopping Omeprazole and it’s like suddenly can cause an upsurge in stomach acid. Perhaps your GP can advise? I think someone on the forum took it alternate days at first, then perhaps with longer intervals to ease the transition.

[MrsNails]

It’s better to taper it like Jane says & sometimes people replace it with Ranitidine but it’s best to speak to your GP really.....

[TheMoaningViolet]

Hi dolphin39, I can only tell you what my experience is and what I am planning to do.

I am on 20mg Omeprazole and AA at the moment. Soon after I started steroids and AA, I stopped taking Omeprazole as I was tolerating the medication very well. I just stopped overnight, but I was only taking it for about a month at that point. After 5 months I noticed getting acid reflux around mid-morning after my second cup of tea and pain in my stomach when I went to bed every night, so I started Omeprazole again. The pain disappeared. I am going to have another go at stopping Omeprazole when I stop taking AA which should be soon. I plan to wait 2 weeks after AA is stopped, start taking Omeprazole on alternate days for 10 days and then stop and see what happens. At that point, I expect to be on 5mg of steroids if everything goes according to plan.

Good luck, I hope that whatever you decide to do, it goes well.

Look at this post by HeronNS regarding alternative ways of warding off osteoporosis.

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[SnazzyD]

Yes! I was on it only 2 weeks and got rebound acid. It is also recommended.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The simple answer? Yes - stopping any PPI after more than a couple of weeks must be tapered.