How to taper off 15mg Lansoprazole

[HappyCanola]

Hi I have been on lansoprazole for about 2.5 months now and about to try come off them. I am on 15mg. I've started by taking one and then missing one the next day then taking another but I've already got acid reflux and this is only the second one I've missed. Do I need to do it slower? The docs said to alternate the days but maybe I should done 3 days on and 1 off then reduce that gradually..? Any advice welcomed as I'm shocked I have heartburn this bad already when I'm only on 15mg

[SheffieldJane]

This is quite scary isn’t it? It is something I will have to face too one day. I think you are right, our trusted method of tapering for Pred may well be the way forward.

What are your reasons for coming off Lansoprazole?

I note that your health interests include oesophageal conditions and intestinal and stomach conditions. Removing a remedy for an on-going condition may make your symptoms much worse, unless your doctor can prescribe something that might suit you better. I would try that route.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As you’ve had such a reaction, maybe use a much slower taper, such as those we suggest for Pred. But as SheffieldJane suggests it does sounds a if you do need something… has GP offered any alternative.

[pammy_hyland]

Why would you want or need to come off Lansoprazol they are protecting your stomach from the Prednisolone and you will get stomach acid unless he has swapped them for something else ? My doctor has taken me off mine and put me on Omeprazole but its a straight swop no tapering involved ..I don't understand why ..

[HappyCanola]

Hi guys thanks for your replies. Here's some context about why I'm on lansoprazole and trying to come off.I was diagnosed with gastritis with no h pylori. I was having stomach pain and bad reflux for about a month before I went to the docs. It seemed to be brought on from using ibuprofen one weekend for a severe migraine and period pain. I wasn't using it for weeks on end though but that seemed to trigger these symptoms.

The docs prescribed lansoprazole for 2 months to allow my stomach to heal (assuming that the above is the cause) so now it's been a bit over 2 months I am trying to come off them. I am going to try and slow my taper down I think and also focus on eating lighter foods in the evening. I did eat a shop bought pizza and that seemed to be what set me off with the reflux. Managed to calm the symptoms down with gaviscon.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HappyCanola]

I'd suggest also getting an OTC H2 inhibitor from the pharmacy, you can get low doses, it is higher doses that must be prescribed, and switch to that first. They are supposed to be easier to get off when you are finished with them. I think you have to do all you can to avoid setting reflux off in the meantime. Pizza isn't the lightest of suppers! And Gaviscon of course.

patient.info/digestive-heal...