I've been on omeperazole for so many years I don't know how it all started.
Posted , 5 users are following.
I'm posting my experience with long term use of omeperazole as a warning to women about the very real danger of developing Osteoporosis, especially when combined with other drugs that drain calcium from bones or prevent calcium absorption.
My first bone density (DEXA) scan in 2008 at the age of 65 showed a -2.8 reading in my spine, which indicated I already had Osteoporosis. Coincidentally, I was also diagnosed, or most likely misdiagnosed, with RA at this time and was started on two other medications, Methotrexate and Meloxicam that are known to compromise bone health. Meanwhile, my DEXA scores continued to decline, yet none of my doctors ever suggested there could be a correlation between the meds I was taking and bone loss. Actually, quite the opposite. Their recommendation was that I take additional drugs, specifically those designed to "build bone," (albeit not healthy bone), which carry their own worrisome side effects. While I understand that bone fracture is a real risk, my concerns regarding these drugs outweigh their potential benefits.
Aside from being worried and frustrated, it wasn't until my sister, who was in treatment for metastatic breast cancer, began to question the relationship between Omeperazole, Methotrexate and Meloxicam and bone loss. To make a very long, multi-year learning process short, I've been able to discontinue the use of Meloxicam and reduce my Methotrexate dosage. Unfortunately it's too late to rebuild the bone I've lost and my greatest challenge still lies with Omeperazole. I'm convinced that use of this drug for three decades this is the root cause of my Osteoporosis and while I'm again currently trying to wean myself from this drug, I only get so far without becoming too uncomfortable to continue. Finding this forum today has been a gift and I'm going to begin anew to become Omeperazole free.
2 likes, 14 replies
Lindy1234 MaliaOnMaui
Posted
Hi.
I've heard really bad things about the medication. Put Omeperazole in the search bar at the top of the page and see what it brings up. The people talk about the withdrawal symptoms and how you have to reduce the dosage slowly. They say that the anxiety is the worst. Not being able to sleep for nights. I've been on 300mg a day for the last 10 years. And yes, I have osteoporosis too. I'm 64.
MaliaOnMaui Lindy1234
Posted
Did you mean to text that you're on a 300mg dose of Omeperazole daily? I'm on a 20mg dose and have never known of anyone being on a higher dose than 80mg per day. If you are actually on 300mg per day, is this by Rx, administered by a physician?
Guest Lindy1234
Posted
You are a lier, you can't be on 300mg daily omeprazole, but you are on ranitidine aka h2 blocker, aka h2 antagonist, aka zantac 300mg a day which holds you for 24 hours (150mg works for up to 12 hours).
If however you really happen to be on omeprazole 300mg daily. Then you probably are the only person on planet earth and in our entire galaxy to be on such a dose a to still be alive. Also this would ironically prove that omeprazole is a very very safe drug when a person in her late years can live up to 10 years daily when taking this MegaDosage.
Lindy1234 MaliaOnMaui
Posted
I'm bad! I'm on 40 mg. I was thinking about gabapentin when I wrote that post. Sorry for the confusion.
MaliaOnMaui Lindy1234
Posted
No need to apologize. We're all in this together, just trying to understand the past and find a way forward.🙂
cindylouwho42 Guest
Posted
Why would you assume she was a "liar" instead of assuming that she may have made a mistake?? Jerk.
Guest MaliaOnMaui
Posted
MaliaOnMaui Guest
Posted
Unfortunately, yes. In one form or another. As I remember, when I began having acid reflux symptoms my PCP prescribed either Prevacid or Prilosec. He never suggested I discontinue the medication as long as it provided relief. When these meds became available over the counter, insurance no longer paid for them and I switched to the comparable OTC dose instead. Throughout these years, every doctor I've ever seen has been made aware that I take omeperazole and none of them have discussed the concerns of long term use or suggested that taking it compromises bone health, including two Rheumatologists who should know it's effects! I do remember that at one point, many years ago I was told I have a hiatal hernia, but it was never confirmed with an endoscopy or by other diagnostic tests. The only saving grace to this story is that my history of acid reflux prevents me from taking Fosamax, Prolia, etc for Osteoporosis.
Reading my own words makes me feel incredibly stupid but like so many drugs, the effects associated with using them are unfortunately not known for many years.
Guest MaliaOnMaui
Posted
MaliaOnMaui Guest
Posted
I've never been able to take a break from Omeperazole because after two days of not taking it I'm too miserable to continue. This year, in late August, I tried again to wean off this drug by cutting 1/4 from the end of the 20mg tablet. That went well for two weeks. This past Monday I then took only 1/2 of the tablet. Within 48 hours I had a sore throat, persistent cough and scratchiness deep in my throat (esophagus)? After reading these are all side effects of discontinuing Omeperazole, I gave up and took a full tablet yesterday and again this morning. Fortunately my sore throat and coughing is much improved and the scratchiness is all but gone. It's hard for me to isolate any other side effects of Omeperazole but when I started back on the full tablet yesterday I had some dizziness and I think it does increase urination.
Sadly, after reading posts on other websites from people who have attempted to discontinue Omeperazole after long term use, even with alternative medications and dietary changes, the success rate and comfort level seems very low. This is probably a "forever" drug.
Guest MaliaOnMaui
Posted
Well, for me it really is going to be a forever drug I am 26 years of age. Started PPIs first time in 2011, been totally on them for 3 years and will have to stick to them since they are the only drug which helps. If you aren't able to discontinue then at least try to modify your diet as hard it may seems... but still you could reduce your pills and sometimes switch to h2 blockers maybe..
MaliaOnMaui Guest
Posted
Interestingly, aside from what Omeperazole has done to my bones, I've never had the need to increase my dosage and unless I eat certain spicy foods, fruit pies or drink wine, I don't need to take even take a Tums tablet for additional acid relief. I know that desserts, tomatoes and pineapple are also triggers for me, along with fried foods, all of which I avoid. The People's Pharmacy website discusses Omeperazole and has some herbal suggestions to control stomach acid but a search on the web for pros and cons shows enough negative side effects and interactions to suggest using caution before going down this path.
Were it not for Osteoporosis I probably wouldn't be this deep into questioning the addictive nature of this drug, especially since doctors show little concern for patient use!
After the reaction I've just had in attempting to decrease my Omeperazole dosage, I won't try this again without discussing it with my PCP and perhaps asking for a referral to a gastroenterologist. I pray that in coming years there will be medical advances that will prevent you from being chained to Omeperazole for life.
Guest MaliaOnMaui
Posted
MaliaOnMaui Guest
Posted
You are SO RIGHT! Thank you for reminding me of this and for anyone who reads these comments!👍🙂