Esomprazole, stomach issues and calcium deficiency

[Hidcote]

When I was diagnosed with PMR in March 2021, I was prescribed Omeprazole and Alendronic Acid. The Omeprazole made sense as I have a history of stomach upsets. I resisted the AA until a DEXA scan identified osteoporosis and osteopenia. I switched to Risedronate because I could not tolerate the AA. I struggled a bit with the Risedronate until last November when I had stomach problems - bloating, wind, pain. With the advice of my doctor, I dropped the Residronate and in January switched to Esomprazole. I am awaiting an endoscopy and a possible infusion to replace the biosophates. I am slightly concerned that the Esomprazole may be worse for calcium deficiency than Ompeprazole, especially as my last prescription from the duty doctor came with two packets of Residronate. I have looked on the web and there seems to be some evidence that this is the case. I intend to discuss all of this with my GP who is very helpful .

Does anyone have any information about the relative impact of PPIs on bone density?

Please can PMR Pro repoint me to the article on PPIs and stomach issues.

I have given up alcohol and coffee because they irate my stomach. I also have some pain after taking my calcium tablets. Can calcium be an irritant?

Many thanks for your help.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, you’ll get more comprehensive replies but I can say calcium very much irritated my stomach and gave me cystitis. I had to lower the dose to be able to take it. I didn’t get on with the PPI’s either.

[Bluey-1]

I take enteric coated prednisolone only and have had no stomach problems. I have had stomach issues in the past but none on pred - about the only side effect I’ve not suffered!

[Bluey-1]

I was prescribed Ompreprazole once when I had an uncooperative prescribing nurse trying to prescribe me uncoated tablets but I never took it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What article on PPIs and stomach problems?

What SORT of history of "stomach upsets"? PPIs are for problems associated with too much acid - many stomach problems may be due to too little acid and a PPI may make that worse, especially used long term.