1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and GCA

Acid reflux

Posted , 7 users are following.

eddylynn36538
eddylynn36538

I know I should know this after 12 years of pmr but is acid reflux caused by the pmr or the prednisone. It seems to be more bothersome these days. I might add I have gained a lot of weight and know this is a big part of the reason.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • amkoffee
    amkoffee eddylynn36538

    Posted

    The prednisone. Do you eat something when you take the pred? That can help a lot. And if that doesn't help enough then try taking a proton pump inhibitor every day. They have to be taken everyday in order to work.

    • amkoffee
      amkoffee Michdonn

      Posted

      I did too but if you read the side effects of prednisone it's clearly stated that it can cause stomach upset. And because I had acid reflux many years prior to taking prednisone I was very concerned about it causing me a lot of problems. And I was already taking a drug called Nexium which in the US is the strongest stomach medicine of the OTC. But I have found as long as I continue to take my Nexium and eat something when I take my prednisone I have no stomach issues whatsoever.

  • stanley36717
    stanley36717 eddylynn36538

    Posted

    You definitely need to take pred with food. I have taken 20 mg of omeprazole a day for the last 10 years or so.
    • Michdonn
      Michdonn stanley36717

      Posted

      I take the same and for years! I have had no problems, with the Omeprazole or reflux.
  • EileenH
    EileenH eddylynn36538

    Posted

    Mostly pred probably. You have to suspect that something that didn't happen pre-pred and does post-pred is likely to be pred. HOWEVER - if you haven't had it before while taking pred and it is a new symptom or getting worse you MUST get it investigated by your doctor and don't be fobbed off. Having PMR doesn't excuse you from having other problems.

    Some doctors hand out PPIs (omeprazole) together with pred. They may have  unpleasant side effects and instead you can use ranitidine (sold as Zantac) which will do the same job with different side effects. 

  • cindy63197
    cindy63197 eddylynn36538

    Posted

    The Pred.  However, once it gets set up, you can have problems with it after the Pred.  
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.