how long can i stay on prevacid

  • Thread starter Thread starter rich0000
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Well- I've been on it for nearly 10 years. But I'm trying to modify my diet and weight so that I can get off of it. I'm certain it's not good for me. PPI's affect digestion, absorption of certain nutrients, and I think they make you more prone to illnesses that stomach acid would normally kill like foodborne illnesses.

If you know what your heartburn triggers are, better to quit those, I think.
 
Up until recently, the medical establishment's consensus was that, hypothetically, you could or should be able to stay on PPI's forever or that's what I was told three years ago. If you now google "safety of long term PPI use," for example, you will find newer literature suggesting that is not so. Two new studies just came out published in a journal called the Annals of Internal Medicine or something like that. I may go back and try to find the exact source.

How long is it safe to use PPI's? I took Aciphex for three years with no apparent negative side effects. Yet, when I had a Dexa scan earlier this year, I found out I had advanced osteopenia (the precursor of osteoporosis). How I know the Aciphex caused or greatly contributed to this condition is that I had a baseline Dexa (by coincidence or providence) the same year I began to take the Aciphex and my bone density was, not only normal, but darned good back then. Everyone was baffled when I had another Dexa in January 2010 when it came out with the osteopenia. I then reminded both of my doctors that I was on Aciphex, and they both said "Ahhh, that's it!" However, neither suggested I get off the medication. Both suggested instead that I start taking another medication for the bone loss and then add even more Aciphex if the Actonel both suggested gave me stomach problems (apparently that is a common side effect of Biphosphonates).

I am not a medical doctor. I just have common sense and like to read. It really made me mad that neither physician picked up on this but both agreed once I brought it up. It also makes me mad that neither suggested I try to get off the PPI. I am not hearing of doctors discussing potential side effects of medications with their patients.

How long is it safe to use a PPI is probably an individual matter. In my case being a woman in my mid fifties, osteoporosis and potential hip fractures are areas of concern (per the literature). I now hope I don't become a statistic.

Rose
 
5 yrs ago, and at the age of 65, i complained to my dr. that i sometimes had trouble swallowing some fooRAB (as if they got stuck). after having an upper diagnostic test, the specialist dr. said he stretched my throat area. he also said i had a light pink area down my throat and had a small stomach ulcer. i never had acid reflux ever but he said it can be a silent type. i never had stomach problems either. the stretching worked and i no longer have problems with swallowing fooRAB but after being on Prevacid precribed to me by him for 5 yrs. i wonder if it's just another pill and if i really need it.
if i tried to quit taking it, i wonder if i have to wean myself off from it.
i hardly see this kind of dr. except for a 10 yr. butt test.
wonder if my regular md will even discuss another drs. instructions with me.
especially in such of a small knit town (if u know what i mean). :confused:
 
Like any drug, it has good effects and bad effects - you ned to strike a ballance between the good effects (relieving your symptoms) and the bad effects (reduced micronutrient aRABorbsion etc)

The ballance will depend on what you are taking the drug for, how severe it is, and what other treatments are avaliable.

If its simple heartburn that you could treat with Tums n Zantac, I'd say stay on it for a short period, if you have Zollinger Ellison Syndrome, I'd sat stay on it for ever.
 
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