Is it absolutely necessary to take omeprazole before Prednisolone?

[Timelost]

I am on my second round of Prednisolone and have been told by the doctor that I must take omeprazole as well even though I’ve got osteoporosis. I have always taken it an hour before breakfast then Pred with my breakfast but wondered how long before can I take omeprazole. For instance will it still work if I take omep in the evening before?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Since you are taking the PPI all the time rather than just "as required" when you have a bit of indigestion, after you have been taking the PPI for a week or so the level of effect becomes steady as although the drug is in the system for only a couple of hours, the antacid effect lasts up to 48 hours once you have been taking it for a while and lots of the receptors it works on have been exposed to it.

You need to try I suppose and see if you are OK using it like that - taking at night will certainly improve any reflux you may suffer overnight.

.

[Timelost in reply to PMRpro]

I don’t get reflux at all. The doctor says it’s to counteract the acid produced by the Prednisolone in the stomach and to reduce the chance of getting ulcers. I need to have breakfast at 7.30 and I was trying to avoid having to take it at 6.30 every morning.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Timelost]

30 mins is usually long enough but once daily will build up to 24 hour protection

[Viveka in reply to Timelost]

Many don't take omeprazole particularly if there is no history of gastric problems. O is ok short term but is not a long term solution. If you don't want to take it have a look at posts of things people do not to, such as ordinary pred dipped in yogurt or enteric coated pred.

[Timelost in reply to Viveka]

Thanks Viveka. I would love to take the enteric coated Pred but it’s more expensive so I think the doctor won’t give it to me. I’ve been taking it with yogurt but the doctor has told me I must take ppl. Think I might take it every just other day

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Timelost]

But if you take the EC Pred form it doesn’t work out any more expensive than the plain Pred tablet and the PPI together…

[Timelost in reply to DorsetLady]

Good point! The problem is trying to contact my doctor! She got a receptionist to call me.it would be much better if I could spark to her directly instead of sending messages.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Timelost]

Unfortunately a lot seem to do that since Covid.. is that by eConsult [if so they should reply by same method] - or phone message to receptionist?

[AliDeJ]

I keep the tablet handy and take it during the night, eg 4am, when I take a trip to the bathroom.

[Timelost in reply to AliDeJ]

Yes I did take it at 5 o’clock this morning.

[Sharitone]

The pharmacist told me that omeprazole half an hour before the steroids is fine.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Others have replied to your query, but can I ask you have a look at this and amend your title post -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Timelost in reply to DorsetLady]

I’m really sorry but I have tried to change the title of the post but cannot see how to delete TimeLost to change it

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Timelost]

Just scroll up to your post - select More V, then Edit…. It will take you into your post.. Go to Title box - and delete “Timelost” and type in something like “Advice on time to take Omeprazole” or similar.

Then you need to select the Post option [in blue box] at the bottom of your post…

If it doesn’t work, please come back to me and I’ll contact HU again…

[Timelost in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I’m new to this but hopefully will get better at it in time.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Timelost]

Thank you for doing that, much appreciated.

[Grammy80]

I don't take omeprazole, but take Carafate and Pantaprozole (sp?) each twice daily. Some may not agree, but my medicine box is like a buffet. I take a handful in the am...handful in the pm and three pills at noon. My system seems happy~~ I'd be at the pill box all day otherwise. It seems the levels of meds in my system are working. Just me....💞

[Timelost in reply to Grammy80]

👍 I’ve never heard of Carafate ….