proton pump inhibitors

[ethandron]

has anyone out there been on these long term (more than a year), and if so, have you noticed any side effects? thanks.

[ethandron]

not at all, it's very useful, thank you for taking the trouble to post your answer. it's actually quite reassuring as my husband has been taking one of these drugs for 10 months and has only recently been told about some potentially serious side effects not mentioned in the leaflet provided with it.
as with a lot of drugs, take one to solve a problem and it can cause other problems. seems like sometimes you're between a rock and a hard place!

[ethandron]

when he picked up his prescription this week, it had been reduced from 40mg to 20mg. when he queried why, was given a copy of a report on a study done in philadelphia, about long-term ppi use. apparently ppi's interfere with calcium absorption and and increase the risk, quite considerably, of hip fracture due to bone thinning. also, as ppi's stop acid production in the stomach, which is of course why they're prescribed, food passes into the colon barely digested and over a period of time distends the colon, leaving you with a 'pot belly'.
the gp had written on the bottom of the report for my husband to make an appointment if he wanted to discuss any of this. we thought we would try to find out more about it all before he does just that.
my husband was told by the consultant at the hospital that the gp may try to discontinue the prescription after a while, as they are expensive drugs, but that under NO circumstances was this to happen. as you say these are essential drugs for this condition.
if you or your father have any more information, i would be glad to hear it. we live in england.

[sandbkelly]

I have been on Protium for about 10 years with no side effects, they work very well. Recently I have had my prescription changed from Pantoprazole to Lansoprazole, and seem to be getting reflux again.I will give it a couple of weeks and then talk to my GP but in the meantime does anyone have any info on the differences between the two tablets.

[andrewdonc]

I was using Nexium(Esomeprazole) 20mg daily for 3 years- no major long term side effects,but pretty bad bloating and bowel habit changes.Changed by GP to much cheaper Lansoprazole a few months ago-15mg a day for gastric reflux-and feel better on them.No long term problems,as I say,but I found both drugs difficult to start with.I felt really under weather for 5days on starting them-almost felt like flu.But OK after that.Any problems should be discussed with GP-If one PPI doesn't suit,another might.

[ethandron]

thank you all for your input, it's been interesting to hear from others about these drugs. he's not actually worried about it, just likes to know as much as possible about anything he takes so he can make an informed decision. definately going to speak to the doctor about it next time he sees him.

[fine,thanks]

thanks for that info,ethan.whenever i have questioned this issue with professionals in the past im never given a straightforward answer.