Proton Pump Inhibitors, (PPIs), and Malabsorption

[tex]

Hi All,

I don't recall that we've ever discussed this before, but if we have, I apologize for forgetting about it.

As we all know, drugs are helpful when we need them, but they all have side effects that we usually don't need. Since many of us take a PPI for GERD, and osteoporosis is a constant threat for those of us who are gluten sensitive, I thought it might be worthwhile to remind everyone that one of the cruelest side effects of the PPIs, is their tendency to inhibit calcium absorption. The reason I consider it "cruel", is because people who take PPIs, are usually those who are already having a problem absorbing enough calcium to prevent an increasing osteoporosis problem, and doctors seem to prescribe the PPIs right and left, as if there were no consequences to be concerned about.

Another problem with the PPI's, while we're on this topic, is that they tend to make absorption of vitamin B-12 more difficult, so you may need to take a vitamin B-12 supplement, if you are taking a PPI. Also, since malabsorption is at the root of the problem, sublingual B-12, (in the form of lozenges that dissolve under the tongue), will obviously provide much better results than the normal oral form.

Of course, there is one other issue with the PPIs, that most of us are aware of, and that is the fact that at least one of them has been documented to actually trigger MC. Lansoprazole, (Prevacid), has a history of causing MC. It's unknown if any of the other PPIs are also a risk, because sometimes it takes quite a while for enough feedback to accumulate, before such connections are noted, and most of the newer PPIs probably haven't been available long enough for a sufficient history to have been recorded.

Tex

[jodibelle352]

Hi Tex:

As you know my GI prescribed Acephex for me to take. I think a while ago you and I had a chat about the side effects of taking the Acephex and how it could block the absorbtion of calcium. Since then I only take the Acephex when ABSOLUTELY neccessary and the acid reflux is at a point where I have no other choice. For me avoiding the use of taking Acephex daily has made a big difference with controling my CC. I am also able to take the Vit. D, B-12, Vit.C and Calcium without any problems in digesting them.

Thanks so much for sharing these issues with us. Even if you've repeated them it's important I would think to do this every now and again as we gain more and more Newbies to our site. So IMO, you have nothing to be sorry about. It's always good to remind us and let those who are yet unaware know these things so they can deal with them as problems arise.

Love and God Bless:
Jodi

[Carol Arnett]

Hi Tex,

I`m happy that you brought this up. If you addressed it before I don`t remember.

I firmly believe that Prilosec caused my MC. I took it for about 6 weeks and then had my first 6 week flare. My doctor, at the time, called it a "side effect" and since I had never heard of MC at that time I believed her.

After a period of time, I was having such bad reflux that she put me on Previcid. Again, I took it for about 6 weeks and had another 6 week flare. That time I wasn`t satisfied with her "side effect" diagnosis and decided I needed a GI and a colonoscopy. That was when he found I had MC.

I never took any meds except Flagyl for 1 week each time I had a flare until this last hospitalization. At that time my GI said I would have to take meds for the rest of my life. I was so zoned out from weakness I didn`t question him about this lifetime thing but I have an appt. in April and plan to address that.

I am taking Asacol. I had been taking 800mg 3x a day but have cut it down to 2x daily with no bad results. Because I was recently dx`d with Gastritis he prescribed Aciphex, another PPI, but I couldn`t afford it (no rx ins.) so am taking Protonix...another PPI. I have taken it in the past with no problems so am keeping my fingers crossed.

I also finally found B-12 in the sublingual form and have started on that. Thank you, Joan for the link you provided me. I mentioned it in another post but it sorta got lost down the line and I don`t know if you ever read it.

I have been eating more foods that are not in the low fat category and haven`t had any problems with that yet either. I had been on a low fat diet because of malabsorption. In many ways I am very lucky.

I haven`t been posting much because I have been so debilitated by pain I felt I would just be whining. Gallbladder area still hurts something awful in spite of the Protonix and I also have a lower back problem because of bone spurs. Am getting a nerve block on April 3rd. I have been lucky there, too. I haven`t had one since Dec. 2007. I have had a couple of trigger point injections and they have helped but need more at this time.

I hope this finds everyone doing better and better than they have been. I know that anytime you have a setback, such as Rose and others, it is very disheartening but wellness just has to be down the road a bit. Love, Carol

[tex]

Hi Carol,

I'll have to remember that about Prilosec, because someone else here mentioned that it caused her MC.

Don't you qualify for Mediare Part D? It helps a lot for most drugs. Unfortunately, you can only sign up for it when you sign up for medicare, or between November 15th and December 31st, each year.

I hope that you'll be able to get everything under control pretty soon.

Thanks for such an upbeat post, .

Love,
Tex

[Carol Arnett]

Hi Tex,

Yes, I do qualify for Medicare Part D but after going over all the plans with our insurance agent then again with our daughter, Lori, (a nurse who deals with insurance companies every day) we found that it would be much less expensive not to have it. Fortunately, we get most of our meds that we take on a daily basis and month to month, from Target for $4.00 each. It is just that one that comes out of the blue once in a while that throws us for a loop.

My GI told me not to buy the Asacol or Protonix, that he could supply me with samples. I haven`t had to purchase any. Harry gets his Plavix straight from the manufacturer. As we were leaving the office the day he got the script I asked if they had any samples until we could get it filled and the gal said I can do better than that, whipped out a form and told me to take it home, fill it out and bring it back to her. People making up to $40 to $50,000 a year can qualify. I guess you just have to know what to do. We are not used to asking anyone for help so this is a whole new deal for us. I have asked for samples before knowing they have them to give away but not for long periods.

I hope you have had a good day and thanks for your good wishes. Love, Carol

[tex]

Carol,

You're right - as long as you can get your prescriptions filled for $4.00, or for free, you definitely won't save anything by a part D plan.

Love,
Tex