omeprazole

[Nanatoo]

I’ve been given omeprazole to take to protect my stomach while taking steroids. I was given them when I was taking strong anti inflammatory pills before they agreed for me to try steroids. They cause wind and constipation so wondered if anyone had the same experience or if they were taking something else.

[Satya70]

I’m on prednisone. Was taking 40 mg of nexium twice a day because the steroids had given me an ulcer. The ulcer is gone now and I’m taking the nexium once a day. I don’t think the stomach meds effect me other than protecting my intestinal health.

[SnazzyD]

I didn’t get on with them at all; they made me feel rubbish. I asked for the ‘old’ H2 antihistamine type of stomach meds, for example Famotidine. It isn’t always side effect free but different and an alternative to Omeprazole and it’s relatives in the proton pump inhibitor family. Eventually I had to have enteric coated Pred with a little Gaviscon at bedtime when I was on doses above 20mg or so.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

They often cause bloating and other gut problems. There are other PPIs which may suit you better or you could ask for H2 antagonists which work on a different principle so have different effects - and mostly fewer.

[YogaJM]

I have moved on to taking Omeprazole every other day, and it is a good compromise you could try. The effect of the drug lasts longer than 24 hours.

[GrandmaPirate]

I am taking omeprazole daily since 30 years for gastric problems and continue to do so since I was diagnosed with PMR 3 years ago and I had to start with prednisolone 20 mg/day, now since 8 months on 1 mg/day. I never experienced the problems you describe, so maybe the symptoms you describe are not caused by omeprazole.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to GrandmaPirate]

Everyone is different - you have been lucky. My husband used to have horrendous effects after just a couple of tablets.

[alangg]

I should discuss it with your doctor and ask what the risks are from not taking it. I started Omeprazole when I started Pred but after a couple of weeks, I stopped it and carried on with the Pred for over 2 years without any stomach issues.

I think I probably have a fairly 'robust' digestive system which might have helped but it was one less prescription to have to pay for!

[Daffodilia]

Take pantoprazole but may be that is similar?

[Nominem]

I found side effects from omeprazole and changed to famotidine which seems ok . I found a lot of burping with omeprazole. I went On for some months like this not knowing what was doing it and wondering if it was some effect of steroids . I briefly tried lansoprazole and felt rather unwell so stopped it. My GP suggested famotidine which was much better

[Bridge31]

You could try lining your stomach with a good amount of plain yogurt then take your Pred hidden in another large spoonful.

[Exflex]

I think I read somewhere that these PPI, eg Omeprazole, are not good for bone health. I’m going to wean myself off with a tapering plan as I’m on a very low dose of Prednisolone, ie less than 1mg.

[papadapadoo]

When I replaced Nexium with kefir my stomach problems ceased.

[Nanatoo in reply to papadapadoo]

I will try that. Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Nanatoo]

But please do NOT stop the Nexium cold turkey. You MUST taper the dose over some weeks or you will develop rebound acid production which can be severe.

[SheffieldJane]

I have come late to Omeprazole, I am in my eighth year of PMR/GCA/LVV and in spite of taking Pred with food I have developed painful diverticulitis . Omeprazole is the only remedy that has provided relief from the pain. I have developed constipation and take a stool softener every few days. I am kind of regretting not taking it sooner in this disease. I was advised by the gastroenterologist who did my camera endoscopy to take it for 12 weeks to allow my intestines to heal.

[Stills]

I was taking 20 x 2 omeprazole daily over 4 months after gastric episode and high GGT in blood / no diagnosis in this episode as yet. However a month after weaning off omeprazole my stomach is extremely windy, rumbling, bloating with constipation as well. I’m not taking any other medication except random pain relief for RD and I’m surprised these symptoms continue.