Omeprazole

[Exhiker]

I know there has been many discussions about Omeprazole but I'm still undecided over using it. I've been on and off it since being on pred and never really had any issues. I did start taking it again when I had to take naproxen for something. Not taking Naproxen now and only did for very short time . I ended up staying on omeprazole but have had increasingly troublesome non acid reflux causing coughing, lots of throat clearing and even symptoms of post nasal drip. The reason I'm posting is because I've been reading some articles on the symptoms of low stomach acid which has the same symptoms as reflux. One of the reasons amongst others being the use of ppis so thinking of weaning off again and see what happens. I do have a yoghurt every morning but only activia.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think you have answered your own question. get some Gaviscon and taper off the omeprazole and once you have done that successfully, regroup and decide if you need it.

[piglette]

can you take enteric coated steroids if you are not already or are you taking Omeprazole for something else?

[Exhiker in reply to piglette]

They won't prescribe them at the sugery for some reason. Cost probably, I don't know.

[piglette in reply to Exhiker]

It costs a lot more to have the two drugs. I have discovered that doctors are not very good at adding up though! It may be worth suggesting it again to them and ask why they are against the enteric coated version.

[Exhiker in reply to piglette]

Yes I will ask. Thankyou Piglette.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Have you checked the current prices? I'm sure someone said prices had shot up.

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

It seems these are the reasons that they seem to be against enteric coated.

> There is currently no evidence to indicate that enteric coated prednisolone is less likely than uncoated prednisolone to cause peptic ulceration.

> The evidence that enteric coating is less likely to cause dyspepsia is unsatisfactory.

> There is no robust evidence to suggest that enteric coating of prednisolone confers gastrointestinal protection.

> There is evidence to suggest lack of disease control for some conditions in those taking enteric coated compared to uncoated prednisolone.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

And anecdotal evidence from individual patients is ignored ...

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

They are just patients, what do they know?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

But of course ...

[Highlandtiger in reply to piglette]

So if that’s the case why produce them at all…? 🤔

[piglette in reply to Highlandtiger]

What a good point!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Highlandtiger]

They were being used - but I think the NHS is looking to cut every halfpence ...

[Legsy0714 in reply to PMRpro]

NHS or GPs protecting their profits?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Legsy0714]

Who knows.

[Camelian]

I was put on 30mg of lansoprazol when I started taking predesalone this was because I was already talking baby aspirin long term which can cause a stomach bleed and was taking another med that's harsh on the stomach for another condition. I've suffered with acid on and off for years and took lansoprazol PRN- as and when required. I don't like taking lansoprazol daily especially as it will be for so long and I'm sure they cause a lot of bowel problems for me ? but on the flip side I do t want to risk a bleed so what can ya do🤷 I do take gastro resistant predesalone but it was felt I still needed to take lansoprazol.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Camelian]

You could switch to an H2 antagonist such as famotidine or cimetidine. They have a different mechanism and tend to be associated with fewer adverse effects. Opinion seems to be swinging back to them after a period of "PPIs are far better" based on the marketing claims. There isn't that much difference and the adverse effects of long term PPIs are now becoming apparent.

[Exhiker in reply to PMRpro]

Is ranitidine OK?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Exhiker]

It would be if you can get it - it was taken off the market during Covid because of a manufacturing problem which was why I suggested the others.

[Exhiker in reply to PMRpro]

OK, thankyou, I didn't realise it was taken off the market.

[paleolady]

I took Prilosec for 2 years while on higher doses of prednisone. I weaned myself off and these were my side effects. Nausea for about 6 weeks , every morning. Some depression and anxiety. The nausea was the worst of them. On the flip side, I am no longer bloated. I take an a Tums now and then. No more PPIs for me!

[Exhiker in reply to paleolady]

Thankyou, yes think I'll try alternative.

[Missus835]

Even prior to PMR I was taking Rabeprazole for "GERD". Now that I'm at 60 mg Pred, they've upped it to 2X per day. So very tired of the drugs, but know they're necessary. Also having difficulty with Alendronic Acid and it's counterpart which add to the gastro issues. Still having extremely painful bouts of Esophageal Spasms, which are scarry as the either are or mimic Angina. Was into ER last weekend and now being investigated for GCA. So I shall be a good girl and take the meds. A double dose (morning and night) of the Rabeprazole does seem to help somewhat, but it also has long-lasting side effects, as you say low stomach acid. Going to try a really high concentrate of Probiotics (haven't yet though). A chiropractor told me to try Kefir which is almost like liquid yogurt, but more Probiotic content I believe.

[Exhiker in reply to Missus835]

Thankyou Missus835, I hope things improve for you. If only all these things didn't have so many side effects. I've seen Kefir mentioned quite a lot by pmr sufferers. Was going to look for it myself.

[Missus835 in reply to Exhiker]

Please let me know if it helps. All the best

[Poshcards]

Hi, I have been taking Omeprazole for over 20 years with no ill effects x