I was prescribed Alendronic Acid and took 4 tablets which gave me heartburn. I then had a call from my GP who said don’t take any more until you have had a dental check up and any treatment completed. I did a bit of research and decided against taking it. Later that year I was offered a bone density scan which showed I had very mild osteopenia and the report said carry on with the d3/calcium and with walking, no need for AA. The next scan showed my bone density to be normal. I think you should ask for a bone density scan before taking it.
I was never offered a stomach protector and always take my prednisolone with breakfast. After 7 years I have had no problems at all.
I was fine with yoghurt for 5 years but finally took Lanzaprozole after diagnosis of diverticulosis and starting a blood thinner and statin. (I know. Held together by modern medicine!). I also take an excellent pro-biotic. Others will be along to advise. Take your time before adding to the mix 😀
Hello. I am having problems with Omeprazole. Do you know if steroids plus blood thinners mean a PPI is essential? I've read that they aren't really necessary for steroids alone but I've been on the blood thinner for years and never needed a PPI. Also I am on Alendronic Acid. Seeing GP next week so would like to get clear in my mind before that.
I think you need to be taking some sort of stomach protection with your combination of drugs - they all can have adverse effect on gastrointestinal tract.. But that’s something you need to discuss with GP - there are different “prazoles” -another type may be better for you.
My personal view is that AA can be considered AFTER you have had a dexascan to assess your bone density status and whether you need it. No dexa - no AA.
Like Koalajane, I took 4 tablets until I had done my homework. Then a different GP agreed we should wait for the dexascan result - it was fine, I took calcium and vit D religiously and had further scans over the years with little change in bone density. I recently had a spinal x-ray that shows a possible compression fracture so I have had the first zolendronic acid infusion to stabilise the bone. Whether I will have another remains to be seen - wasn't too keen on some of the effects! However - it potentially saved me 15 years of a medication that wasn't necessary.
I have only taken a PPI (lansoprazole) when other things have required it, never solely because of pred.
I too would postpone either until proven to be required. And certainly until you have settled down a bit on what you are already taking.
Good morning my rheumy said at the outset of my treatment for GCA that he didnt care what stomach protection drug I took as long as I took one. Which I have with no problems.
all i would suggest is you slowly reduce and stop your stomach protection if you are ok great if not you have answered your own question. i take omeprezole with no side effects but high doses of pred can effect some but not all people good luck
I was prescribed both and took neither. I wasn’t thrilled with the warnings and discussed further with dr, dentist and pharmacist after doing some research. I’ve been waiting 3 years for a Dexa scan, but haven’t had one. There was no baseline. It’s personal choice. All I can say is I haven’t had any gastric issues and unaware of bone problems. I’m over 7 years on pred and currently at 10mg. I take with yoghourt but I’ve also taken without food on a few occasions without apparent issue. Good luck.
I was prescribed AA and omeprazole. I took AA for 3 weeks and was fed up of spending a day a week camped out in the bathroom with a massively upset stomach, so I stopped. Since then I did my homework and decided against bisphosphonates until I have a DEXA scan, but I am under pressure to start on Densosumab instead, which I am even less keen on. I insisted on a DEXA scan first and waiting for the results, but the radiologist did comment that I don't need to worry about the state of my bones, which was encouraging. Since I am not taking AA, I have not felt the need for omeprazole, although the locum doc that I saw a few weeks ago "urged" me to take it to protect my stomach. I'm not keen, because PPIs are also calcium scavengers, i.e. reduce absorption, so I would expect that to potentiate the effect of the pred on my bones. So, looking after my bones consists of Vit D and calcium supplementation, using the weight machines in the gym to encourage the bone density, and swimming to keep the bearing surfaces and muscles mobile. Though, if I am honest, exercise has been the last thing on my mind for the last few weeks as I have felt so unwell and devoid of energy.
Have been taking pred for about 2 years (now at 4mg) and in the course of that I became very unwilling to take anything that was not absolutely necessary. I don't take lasaprazole or other stomach protector now but manage any gut issues with diet and timing and don't get any indigestion. I was prescribed AA and took it for a while. Have stopped taking it but getting a bit of pressure from rheumatologist so asked for a DEXA scan which I have had today. I'll take AA if scan suggests I need it, but otherwise I won't. Support from this forum has made me feel more in control of and more informed about my GCA and PMR . I changed my GP and I'm pleased that I now have a GP and a rheumatologist who listen andare willing to have a sensible conversation.
Great that you too feel more in control now - we really don't need the stress and anxiety of wondering what's the best way forward.
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