Acid Reflux and Women

[Issy]

I was doing some research about GERD (acid reflux) online last night and read that over-active bladder medications (for women) can cause GERD. I knew that some medications can cause GERD, but had not read before that this type of medication can cause it.

I called my pharmacist today and she said the particular one that I use (Sanctura) can. I have been using it for a couple of years and have been dealing with acid reflux on an off for a couple of years as well, so perhaps this could be what is causing mine.

She also said that I can stop it immediately and don't have to wean myself off of it.....which I will tomorrow. I would rather be running to the bathroom more frequently, than dealing with severe heartburn any day!

Now here's the real kicker....I saw my GYN only 2 days ago and discussed my terrible GERD and she didn't even mention that perhaps Sanctura was causing my problem even though she was not the GYN who first prescribed it.....she had my medical record in front of her and could easily see that I take Sanctura daily. Also I saw my GI doctor only a few weeks ago and he too is aware of my prescription medications and didn't suggest that I stop taking Sanctura.

At this time I can't say for sure that Sanctura is the cause, but at least now I know that it could be a contributing factor.

Issy

[Rosie]

I'm more and more convinced that we have to be proactive about our health, because doctors are so busy that no matter how much they want to do a good job, they are limited. As far as drug interactions go, the pharmacists are much more aware than many doctors. In fact, that's supposed to be part of their job, since many people have prescriptions from a number of doctors.

It's a shame that you suffered for several years with GERD that may have been a side affect of a drug. Hopefully when you stop your GERD will improve, and who knows, maybe your overactive bladder won't be as much of a problem......

Rosie

[Issy]

Rosie,
I agree wholeheartedly that we do need to be proactive. However when a doctor is fully aware of the problems a patient is experiencing and is also aware of the medication the patient is taking, then the doctor is not fulfilling his professional responsibility to do further investigation to see if the medication can be causing the problem.

Before a doctor prescribes any drug she should be knowledgeable of it's side effects and warn the patient of such.....especially elderly patients who do not have access to the Internet.

Had I not read of this at Intelihealth.com then I would still not have know that over-active badder medication can cause GERD. It is not even mentioned with the accompanying literature when I purchase it.

Thanks for your encouraging remarks and I do hope once I discontinue Sanctura, my GERD will clear up.
Since Dec it has been very severe (even though I have been taking a PPI and antiacids) and I hope that I have not damaged my esophagus permanently.
Issy

[Gabes-Apg]

my experience to date is that doctors struggle to have the time to be comprehensive.

i think they work on the theory that if someone else diagnosed it then it is not my problem
I was very lucky that when the GI specialist threw the bunch of scripts at me, it was the 20 minute discussion with my pharmacist that determine what meds i could take when (as i was on other stuff for hormonal/PCOS etc)

as we have previously discussed on this site - doctors will prescribe and advise based on the 'accepted' protocol. (or in some cases what ever drug is supplied by the drug company that last visited them or gave them samples)

what works for one doesnt necessarily work for another. In our situation we are blessed that there is a fair amount of factual information on the net and we have some pretty amazing people on this site that can discuss metabolism and abosorbtion of a wide variety of meds etc
another point that has been widely discussed in other threads, for many years anyone with a digestion issues got grouped into the IBS diagnosis. not alot of research has been done and there is mixed reaction to what works best. GI Specialists are struggling with the MC diagnosis so it would be challenging for other doctors to embrace the condition and treatment regimes.
Even tex struggled to get the dietiicians of a hospital to understand his diet requests.

given how differently we all react to various triggers, self management is the key.

[Issy]

I think pharmacist are often the unsung hero's in the medical field.
The ones that I have interacted with over the years have always been more than happy to answer any questions and concerns I have regarding a medication that I may be taking at the time and they have a very high stressful and demanding job.

Issy

[Gabes-Apg]

on that day, the pharmacist i had was fantastic, she looked up all the interaction sheets, she even rang the drug company to confirm some points.

i think they are getting used to the situation that people are seeing multiple doctors/specialists for their health conditions and it is tricky for the doctors to fully understand the med interactions....

as i had spent many years only relying on natural therapy, this is the first time in my life i have had a 'regular doctor' and now a 'regular pharmacist' I am determined not to slot into the thinking that it is a sign of old age......