To PPI or not to PPI,

[Groggrim]

When I first started taking Pred I took a PPI like the doctor told me to. I didn't like it so I tried another one. I didn't like that one either. So I started taking the P with my porridge at breakfast and swallowing the tablets with Greek bio yogurt. I continue to do this to this day. My question is whether this is ok long term or am I storing up trouble in the form of a stomach ulcer like my GP threatened?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I've been taking pred for 16 years and as far as I know no ulcers - despite not taking a PPI. They don't make the same fuss here - my rheumy insists I take one if I need more than the odd dose of an NSAID, he sometimes uses high dose infusions for some things over a few days. But just for pred - has never said anything.

[Groggrim in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you very much, good night 🥱

[SnazzyD]

You could always try the older type H2 antagonists such as Famotidine. Not a PPI.

[Bramble2000]

PPI’s aren’t great long term. It becomes really really hard to stop taking them and they can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies. I regret ever taking it. I’ve been on them over 20 years and can’t get off them

[Estellemac]

I relate to Bramble2000 entirely. I started taking PPI's with Naproxen for OA 30 years ago but I always had bad acid if I ate certain things. I should have had that looked in to but wasn't that well informed on the meds I was taking or why. If you have never had an issue with your stomach do you really need them? We are all different. Automatic prescribing just in case or is it what NICE says. I now have Colitis which could have been caused by long term PPI's.

[Groggrim]

Some meds are essential, like my thyroxine and iron, neither of which are drugs. GPs seem keen to prescribe too quickly and easily without looking further into things. I think I was put on steroids too quickly because it was an easy solution but I will never know for sure. Then a PPI was offered which could have led to more problems.

[Fifegran]

I have been on prednisalone for 8 years, have breakfast of porridge with kefir, slice of toast with honey and 3 or 4 spoons full of plain Greek yoghurt with my prednisalone. Have had no problems.. Kefir very good for stomach.

[Leafsong66]

I had pain from the PPI. Have had no problems with taking Pred with Greek yoghurt. I do occasionally suffer from gastric reflux but did well before Pred. I have found Manuka Honey helpful for the reflux.

[Timelost]

I was prescribed PPI with prednisolone and took it for a year. Wish I had never started it but I hadn’t discovered this forum then. I now do exactly the same as you for breakfast and I’ve been fine.