Can someone explain the difference between taking normal or gastro resistant tablets. I realise that the gr ones take longer to get into your system from reading all the excellent advice on here, but my doctor says the gr ones cause damage if you are also taking Omeprazole. I thought it was a cost problem but my pharmacy assures me the cost difference is 50 pence a box.
I'm presently on 60mg and have gained the hamster face and body weight........read all about you lucky people talking down from low numbers. One day, but I know it won't be soon !
Thankyou
Gilly
I really can't imagine why that would happen but probably the best person to ask is your pharmacist. I've tried to look online but as soon as gastro-resistant is entered in the search engine it tell me about gr omeprazole!
The difference between the two forms of pred is that the gr form has a hard coating which is resistant to the stomach acid and passes through the stomach to be broken down and absorbed further down the gut. Of course, if you are on omeprazole there is little or no stomach acid present so the enteric coated form would be regarded by some as unnecessary - or vice versa, enteric coated shouldn't require omeprazole although there are some people who believe the gastric damage is due to pred being present in the body, not just in the stomach. One lady on one forum has reacted badly to steroid injections which would fit with that concept.
There was a big price difference - until NICE recommended there was no advantage and in fact they thought the gr form wasn't absorbed as well so the ordinary sort was to be used preferentially. The suppliers immediately put up the price of plain white pred so the price of white pred plus omeprazole is actually higher than enteric coated alone. So much for that idea for cost saving!
Do ask your pharmacist though, because I'd believe them before I'd believe a GP on drug matters. And do tell me what s/he says.
I was on Lansoprazole for other complaints, hate change when something suits you! Will ask later when I collect my medication.
I have just changed doctors as mine mis-diagnosed for 18months......cardiologist and many trips to A & E included. Thankfully now on the right path.
I have had so much help from this site, so grateful for your input and knowledge. My rheumatologist was amazing too but only recently got diagnosed so gca took hold unfortunately, but I have been very lucky, I think.
Do you mean you are being switched from Lansoprozole to Omeprazole? There's no need for that - they are both PPIs and some people get on better with Lansoprazole than Omeprazole.
Where are you - always nice to collect another good rheumy!
I'm in Worcestershire, and he was so good a rheumy that he has left to go into research! Advantages for those that follow us hopefully....Dr Adam Croft.
Blooming typical isn't it! Wonder where he's gone...
Though the best couple of PMR/GCA people I know see patients AND do research.
Brumingham - and very basic research :-( A long way before patients.
Looks a nice approachable sort of chap if you can tell from a photo...
Hi Gill, I feel for you.....I am on 40 mg for 3 days and then tapering down slowly because of a very painful flare. I have been on the higher dosage since my PMR diagnosis in September of last year. No low numbers! I already have a hamster face with PINK cheeks which I usually don't have. I am very fair and kind of pale faced.
People look at me, and they actually say that I look HEALTHY and that I don't have many wrinkles. At age 74 I would rather have the wrinkles and not have to take prednisone So far I have gained 3 pounds and always hungry for especially something sweet and carbs which are a NO - NO. I keep on trying....
All the best to you.
Phoned rheumatology in Worcs and the Dr I saw last has also left, before getting my letter re pred dosage written! OMG no wonder you all despair. Seems 60mg for 2 weeks then down to 40......that's a big drop,, already been on 60 for 3 weeks now and letter won't be with my gp any time soon. Told them I feel a bit 'out there on my own' . Will go for a blood test next week and work out my next move, preds coated or not seems a mere irritation now, excuse the pun.
I'm glad we have you, I have learned so much. Thankyou
Know what you mean about the wrinkles, would love them back too. Only consolation is, unless I'm passing a mirror, I can still pretend I'm who I used to be.....others aren't so lucky, they get the hampster.
For goodness sake! In the absence of any sense from the hospital take a copy of the paper you get to with the next to last link in the post this takes you to (by Quick and Kirwan):
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/pmr-gca-and-other-website-addresses-35316
On page 6 is their reduction scheme for GCA for the first 5 months. Then they continue with the PMR reduction which is shown on page 4. That at least provides your GP with something to work on for the moment - and they reduce in 10mg steps. Dropping 20mg is a heck of a wallop for the body so in the absence of a latter from the hospital you might get him to let you go via 50mg.
The paper also tells your GP a lot more about managing things - and it was written for his benefit so he shouldn't get shirty or anything. The next link in that post is also aimed at other medics, from a different group. I'm quite happy to provide the links to educational materials...
Thankyou much appreciated :-)