Lanzaprozole and magnesium deficiency

[Dontwannabesick]

Hi all, I was diagnosed with GCA in 2018. With the help and support of this group I came through some tough times, and will always be grateful for that. After a very gradual taper, I have now completed 13 months without prednisolone, and, fingers crossed, the GCA is still quiet. I am still having sub-cutaneous Methotrexate weekly.

When I started prednisolone I was also prescribed Lanzaprozole to protect my stomach. I am still taking it although I have never ever had issues with acid. I read recently that prolonged us of this drug can cause deficiency in magnesium, which supports the muscles and skeletal system.

As I do have problems with my balance and have developed arthritis in various joints, I wonder if magnesium deficiency might be contributing to this.

My GP and rheumatology support has been useless throughout this illness, so I am hoping the knowledgeable panel here will once again be able to give me guidance.

So, sorry for the long post, but my question is do I need to taper off the lanzaprozole or can I stop taking it immediately? Also would it be worth taking a magnesium supplement to redress any insufficiency issues, and for how long?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You do need to taper off the lansoprazole or you risk rebound acid production which can be quite severe. The usual advice is to reduce the daily dose to half (i.e. 30 to 15), for a couple of weeks and then start to miss odd doses much like DL's slow taper until you are off over a period of a few weeks.

Gaviscon may be useful or an H2 blocker like cimetidine/Tagamet until the acid production has settled down if you do have any problems.

[Dontwannabesick in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you 😀