I was prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec) when a side effect of prednisone seemed to be an irritated stomach. Now I am wondering if the prilosec is the cause of my irritated stomach and belly. Any thoughts? Any one else have the additional prescription of omeprazole?
It is quite common for people to take a PPI like omeprazole or lansoprazole when on Prednisone as it can be helpful in protecting the stomach from irritation - and many doctors prescribe it for this as a matter of routine. I was already taking it prior to my Pred regime - and it often works well- based on comments here (but not for 'all'
. I have personally never had any side effects - especially of a worsening 'stomach' variety even from my usage over a long period. If your stomach is still irritated you might try taking enteric coated pred (available in some countries at least), and/or eating thick greek yoghurt beforehand to line your stomach - I do that too and lots of others here recommend that as well !
Hope you sort it out - it's not a good thing to have that kind of tummy whatever else is going on.
Best wishes
Omeprazole commonly causes gastric problems - which I assume you mean when you say "irritated stomach and belly". A more objective description would be helpful! It commonly causes abdominal pain, bloating, wind and diarrhoea which can be severe. One lady was unable to leave the house because of the need to be near a toilet.
Many doctors prescribe a PPI (the group of drugs of which omeprazole is a member) when patients are on pred. I have never used it and neither have quite a few on the forums. I was on gastro-resistant tablets for some time - only available in the UK - and otherwise used yoghurt like many of my friends.
An alternative is ranitidine, sold OTC as Zantac, which does the same thing, suppressing acid production, but with a completely different mechanism and, as a result, different and fewer side effects.
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I have the same script-it is designed to calm the acids in the stomach.
Mine works great, be sure to take at least 1/2 hr before prednisone.
I hope u feel better!!
Hi Mary
I was prescribed Omeprazole. 20mg with no side affects from starting Prednisolone in March 2017.
Interesting to know if this has the same affect on others that you are experiencing. Maybe have a work with your GP. Good luck.
Hi mary23801, I been taking Omeprazole for over 10 years and Predinisone now for about a year with no problems. I never had a problem with the Omeprazole, but the side effects of the Predinisone are tough. I cannot imagine what it would be like to have PMR without Predinisone. Good luck! 🙂
Is Zantac an H2 inhibator?
Yes, Zantac, ranitidine, is a H2 antagonists, also called H2 blockers, are a class of medications that block the action of histamine at the histamine H2 receptors of the parietal cells in the stomach. Good luck! 🙂
If you look up omeprazole you will find that it was not intended as a longterm medication, although many people do seem to take it for years. It can add to the potential bone thibnning effects of prednisone, so if you don't need it, don't take it. What other things did you try to relieve the irritation of pred?
I am one been on Omeprazole for 12-14 years now. I do not seem to have any problems with it, so far!
Have you had a dexascan? Omeprazole can cause osteoporosis all on its own in some people. There will always be people where it doesn't have that effect - but without a dexascan you can't know.
I have been on pred for a year and half, present dosage 6 mg. Recently, old ulcers, unknown to me, bled, caused by a blood thinner used duriing a knee replacement. I was treated with two medications for a month beginningi in the hospital. A few months later, I was given 120 mg Ranitidine 2 xs a day and developed hives after three pils. I was switched to 20 mg Omeprazole (Prilosec) 1 x a day for the remainder of the month. I have had a frequent sharp pain every few days in the general areaof my left side, not sure where. I stopped drinking wine with meals, changed to a low acid instant coffee and food diet, et al, to see if the pain would go away. I am hoping the medication works. So far no pain for a few days. Would like to hear of other pred/priosec experiences.
Yes, EileenH two dexascans one about three years ago and one last fall before skiing. I been thinking of asking for one this year before skiing. My left hip was a little less dense, I guess that is how you say it!
Thanks, keep smiling! 🙂
Hi peggy56092, I been on Omeprazole for about 14 years and Predinisone about a year with no problems. Good luck on your journey. On my with a smile on my face! 🙂
Thank you for your kind words. I forgot to mention that I also take Alendronate Sodium Tablets, started last year but stoppped for dental and knee operation for half a year. I think the ulcers were caused from 800 mg daily Ibuprofen for a year before diagnosed w/PMR and given pred.
You are welcome peggy56092, 800 mg should not of helped with the PMR. I tried it first,. not much help. I could not live a normal life without Predinisone. Once again good luck on your journey. Smile on my face working my way down the road. 🙂
If you have a history of ulcers you should NOT have been put on alendronic acid - it is an explicit contraindication, particularly if it is in the last year or so, but I wouldn't accept being given it at all under the circumstances.
I just took my second weekly pill yesterday. Thank you for this devastating news. I had no idea. No dr. involved in my health for last three months have suggested a reason for my bleeding ulcer(s) during knee surgery.