Omeprazole

[Scrumpy]

This is given for Acid Re-flux...
I have been on it for a while.. I now learn that it can have (terrible) side effects if taken for longer then 3/4 weeks... It was on the news..

Do others on here know of an alternative for this tablet please..?

[klondike]

I've been on it for years. Let that be a warning 

Your homework is to thoroughly research this and report back. Meanwhile I'm preparing my case against the doctor.

[Mups]

This is given for Acid Re-flux...
I have been on it for a while.. I now learn that it can have (terrible) side effects if taken for longer then 3/4 weeks... It was on the news..

Do others on here know of an alternative for this tablet please..?

Doctors and Pharmacists should definitely make people aware of this,  but they usually don't. 
We have to make sure we always read the leaflet the drug manufacturers pop inside the box,  it's there for a reason,   yet the majority of people just discard it without even reading through it.

I think you're right about not taking this medication for long.  Whether that is because it can accumulate harmful side effects,  or whether it is because if the problem is still ongoing, it might need further investigating.  So probably not a good idea to take it continually without talking to your GP first.

I occasionally get acid reflux, its not nice is it,  but a while back I bought some over-the-counter stuff at the Pharmacy,   called 'Nexium.'   It does contain esomeprazole (20mg).
It says on the leaflet in the box it is for short term treatment of reflux  and it also says:

'Nexium Control is not meant to bring immediate relief.  You may need to take the tablets for 2-3 days in a row before you feel better.  You must talk to your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 14 days.'

It also says to talk to the doctor if you have been taking it continuously for 4 weeks or more,  or if you are over 55 years and have new or recently changed reflux symptoms or need to take heartburn remedies every day.

*

This product has worked well for me, and I took it for about a week I think,  but I have a new packet handy for if it starts again.
I suppose keep taking it long term is not really doing anything to find out the cause of the problem.

[Scrumpy]

The thing is.. My doctor prescribed it for Acid Re-flux... One 20mg tablet before bedtime..
I haven't had acid re-flux since.. Is it because I take the tablet ? Is it because it had gone.?

I am going to stop taking the tablet.. and see what happens..

If it is only meant to be taken for a time of 3/4 weeks... WHY does the doctor automatically prescribe it.? He should be aware of these things.. Afterall he is a medical man .. I am not..

Yesterday at 11:25:32 AM

I've been on it for years. Let that be a warning 

 Will it make my hair grow !!!

[JBR]

Only the other day, Marge suggested that I ask the doctor for Omeprazole because she says that I have been coughing a lot.  (I haven't noticed any acid reflux, though.)  So I did.  The chemist had it ready within a couple of days and I collected it yesterday.

I was given a 4 week supply, and I appreciate that it should not be taken continuously (as it can create other problems).  First pill this morning, and I shall see how things go.

[Mups]

The thing is.. My doctor prescribed it for Acid Re-flux... One 20mg tablet before bedtime..
I haven't had acid re-flux since.. Is it because I take the tablet ? Is it because it had gone.?

I am going to stop taking the tablet.. and see what happens..

If it is only meant to be taken for a time of 3/4 weeks... WHY does the doctor automatically prescribe it.? He should be aware of these things.. Afterall he is a medical man .. I am not..

Yesterday at 11:25:32 AM Will it make my hair grow !!!

If the reflux seems to have gone,  I would difinitely stop taking it.  Its the only way you will know, no point taking  it if you don't need it ey.


Regarding why does the GP prescribe it automatically -  well,  I have often wondered exactly the same!
See this:


GPS are not directly paid per prescription by the government, but they receive funding through complex contracts with the NHS for services, which can include financial incentives tied to the number of prescriptions they issue, such as for certain drugs like statins.
Some GPs also receive payments from drug companies for various reasons, which may create a potential conflict of interest. Dispensing practices can earn a profit by dispensing drugs on-site, creating a financial incentive to prescribe more. 

I often think they do it because its quicker and easier than finding out what is actually wrong!

[Alex]

Years ago my father in law used to take baking powder, a half teaspoon in some warm water.  A big burp later and his problem was gone.  Have a read of this though Scrumps, I use British Supplements because they don't use fillers.

Slippery Elm is a herbal alternative for relief for heartburn

https://www.british-supplements.net/products/clean-slippery-elm?variant=39694472151114

[Michael Rolls]

I've been taking Nexium for ages without any noticeable side effects

[Mups]

Only the other day, Marge suggested that I ask the doctor for Omeprazole because she says that I have been coughing a lot.  (I haven't noticed any acid reflux, though.)  So I did.  The chemist had it ready within a couple of days and I collected it yesterday.

I was given a 4 week supply, and I appreciate that it should not be taken continuously (as it can create other problems).  First pill this morning, and I shall see how things go.

As I understand it JBR,  Omoprazole is only good for coughs if they are caused by reflux problems.
Do you know what is causing your cough?



Yesterday at 02:18:22 PM

Years ago my father in law used to take baking powder, a half teaspoon in some warm water.  A big burp later and his problem was gone.  Have a read of this though Scrumps, I use British Supplements because they don't use fillers.

Slippery Elm is a herbal alternative for relief for heartburn

https://www.british-supplements.net/products/clean-slippery-elm?variant=39694472151114

I used to give my  German Shepherd dogs Slippery Elm years ago, if they had a stomach upset.  It is supposed to be soothing to the stomach lining.   
I had no idea it was for heartburn though.    We live and learn. 


P.S.   Alex,  be careful though,  I just found this about Slippery Elm's affect on other medications:-


'However, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and it may slow the absorption of certain medications. Always consult a healthcare professional before using it for acid reflux or GERD, especially if you are taking other medications.'


Yesterday at 02:20:50 PM

I've been taking Nexium for ages without any noticeable side effects

But did you read the leaflet in the packet, Michael?

How do you know if it has done the trick  if you keep on taking more?

[Mups]

I've been on it for years. Let that be a warning 

Your homework is to thoroughly research this and report back. Meanwhile I'm preparing my case against the doctor.

Non-stop, Klondie?     It really is not intended for ongoing use.

Be careful.   See below.



'Long-term omeprazole use can prevent the proper absorption of several vital nutrients, potentially leading to deficiencies. 

• Magnesium: Using omeprazole for over three months can cause low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia). Severe magnesium deficiency can cause serious symptoms such as seizures, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, and psychiatric issues.
• Vitamin B12: Chronic use can lower stomach acid enough to interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 from food. This can lead to a deficiency over time, which may cause nerve damage, tingling sensations, dizziness, or confusion.
• Calcium: Reduced stomach acid can also impair the body's ability to absorb calcium.
• Iron: Some studies have shown a link between long-term PPI use and iron deficiency.'

[JBR]

As I understand it JBR,  Omoprazole is only good for coughs if they are caused by reflux problems.
Do you know what is causing your cough?

Yes, you understand it correctly.  I have not noticed any reflux, but that doesn't mean it isn't happening.  Reflux can emerge from the stomach into the (lower) oesophagus, causing irritation which, in turn, can cause coughing.
The only way to determine whether I am suffering from reflux into the oesophagus (but not further up into the throat) is to see whether Omeprazole reduces or prevents my coughing.

[klondike]

It can cause hoarseness. It's why I was prescribed it after a test I've just looked up and is called transnasal esophagoscopy. They shove a flexible tube carrying a camera up your nose and down the throat to take a look at your vocal chords. Stomach acid can leak up and burn them. If that's the case you are supposed to take one at night not in the morning so JBR should check why he is taking one in the morning as it's when you are laying down reflux could cause that sort of issue I would think

I have heard they shouldn't be taken for long periods and have stopped taking them from time to time but then I do get heartburn. My father used to and had some medicine or another all the time.

An alternative is Gaviscon which forms a layer over the fluids in the stomach and stops the acid seeping through.

[JBR]

Stomach acid can leak up and burn them. If that's the case you are supposed to take one at night not in the morning so JBR should check why he is taking one in the morning as it's when you are laying down reflux could cause that sort of issue I would think

Thanks for that.
I looked it up on the enclosed instructions, and it can be taken morning or at night, and either with food or on an empty stomach.  Swallow them whole with a glass of water.  They are coated to prevent them breaking down in the stomach acid.
Having said that, I take them in the morning with food, along with all the other many pills and things!

[klondike]

Up to you but it is contrary to what I was specifically told to do by somebody in the hospital (probably a registrar) and the reason he gave which is that the acid will leak when you are laying down but not when upright so take it at night makes sense to me.

I'll try just not taking them again and see how that goes. I do get the Gaviscon or sometimes a cheap alternative on prescription but don't take that often and replace the bottle if I open it as it goes pretty manky once opened and left.

[muddy]

Mr M has been taking it for years .
The reason being he is on heart medication and these cause inflammation of the oesophagus so he has to take Omaprazole tp protect it .