EC 1mg pred??

[LbHH]

I have recently managed to taper to 4mg which means taking all plain tablets. I have had an increase in indigestion/slight heartburn since doing this. I have 3 questions. Is it possible to get 1mg ec? - I'd be willing to pay (if not ridiculous price)

If I take some gaviscon (already take 20mg omeprazole) do I have to avoid 2 hours either side of taking meds? I split my pred dose, ½ morning ½ bedtime.

Is it likely that the gp might double my omeprazole and if so, is this a bed thing?

Thank you

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

1mg EC are available, but are expensive for 100, -

NHS indicative price £38.78. Drug tariff price £32.49 - today

Just had a look -recommendation is to take Gaviscon 30mins after Omeprazole ,

Who knows what GP will suggest.🤦🏻‍♀️

You can get 2.5mg EC which are ironically a lot cheaper than plain 2.5mg … so maybe mix and match as you split dose anyway..

[LbHH in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DL

[Bluey-1]

Beg your GP for e/c pred. Really worth it.

[LbHH in reply to Bluey-1]

Begging bowl at the ready 😊

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As DL suggested - I could manage 2.5mg e/c with 2mg plain pred but 4x1mg plain didn't work well. Worth a try while you attempt to get 1mg e/c - it is possible but you wouldn't think so at times!!

[LbHH in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[Rugger]

I am also on 4mg daily and have the coated pred. I've been on pred for 8 years and so far, 🤞, the GP practice hasn't questioned the cost. I'm not on a PPI, so save the NHS that cost! The manufacturer packs them in bottles of 100, so I suggested the GP prescribes 100 at a time and so far, so good.

As DL says, the 2.5mg gastro resistant tablets are cheaper than the plain, so when you get to 3.5mg, you could take one of each, both coated. Then 3 x 1mg and so on, as you taper.

The only time we'll need plain tablets is at 1.5mg and 0.5mg doses.

Good luck. Don't "beg" - just ask, without apologising for the cost. I was on Tocilizumab at £1k / month!!!

[LbHH in reply to Rugger]

I'll give it a try, thank you

[piglette]

As DorsetLady says 1mg are available, but in my neck of the woods they seem to be like hens’ teeth!!

[Sharitone]

I've always had e/c in all the sizes. Cost is nothing compared to the meds some people are on. If you need it, then you should have it. It is cheaper than treating you for a stomach ulcer.