Does changing brand of PPI matter?

[DaveT81]

Hi, so I'm currently on omeprazole for reflux/gastro problems and I've been on a generic brand for some time.

Recently, the pharmacy I use prescribee a different brand, a Spanish name that I cant quite recall but they're a capsule, rather than a pill. Would this make a difference, as I know it's often advised with other types of medication (ie thyroid/diabetes)?

I ask as I've noticed a slight worsening in my evening reflux since starting them, but I'm not sure if this is some sort of subconscious response.

[Keepstrong]

Hi DaveT81.

It's not your subconscious.

The reason for your reflux been worse in the evening is because though they may be the same tablet just a different manufacturer , some brands have Extra coating on them then others. So I would suggest that you ask your doctor to state in your prescription Not generic . That way you won't be given the cheep brand that the pharmacy buys from their suppliers and you won't be suffering with your condition . Just tell your doctor you want the ones that agreed with you that these ones don't and will he/she out down not generic. I hope you feel better soon. 🤗 Stay strong and be well.

[DaveT81 in reply to Keepstrong]

I was hoping I wasn't just imagining it! I can't actually remember the name of the ones I had now but I'll have to do a bit of research.

Thanks for your reply!

[Keepstrong in reply to DaveT81]

No worries, you can Go to your pharmacist and ask they will have a record of it. Or if you can remember when an where you collected them from if it's not your normal pharmacy they be able to help you. Let me know how you get on okay?. Best of luck .Ce keep strong 🤗

[Metalivore]

Hi DaveT81,

I've been on Omeprazole for years, the brand I take at present is Sandoz a Novartis company (Quoted from the box), and I can't remember taking any other, but I know of some sufferers who have been chopped and changed from one brand to another by their pharmacy without any ill-effect. I hope you can take something from what I have told you, and I will add the following:

The initial reason for my need of Omeprazole was that because I don't have a full-sized stomach it was easy for me to suffer from excessive acid production. It was not until relatively recently that I changed my diet quite considerably, and after doing a lot of research into the reasons for reflux, I decided to reduce my Omeprazole dose without involving formality. I halved my 20mg dose for a month without any effect, and my GP agreed that my dietary change was a big help. My prescription is now 10mg per day.

I'm 6ft, weigh 12st 8lb (80kg), and I'm 70 in a few days.

The best advice I can give you Dave is to look hard at your diet, and perhaps end up with a lesser need to rely on medication to 'damp down' your acid production by reducing your stomach's need for it in the first instance. Willpower has been my best friend, and I think it could be yours in the long term. Strong cheese, alcohol, fast food, salt, biscuits, crisps, sugar, all now either gone completely or rarely taken in!

Good Luck for the future Dave, be optimistic!