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Not tolerating PPI's - what do I do?

Posted , 8 users are following.

dani2590
dani2590

I'm 25 and was diagnosed with grade a oesophagitis about a month ago. Dr gave me Rabeprazole and within 3 days I developed what appeared to be some sort of allergic reaction to it - I had a severe swollen an inflamed throat. Severe dry mouth and nasal passage. I ended up in the ER as I became dehydrated from being unable to drink or eat properly. I didn't think it was the medication I thought maybe I had a viral infection. I came off the Rabeprazole and literally within 2 days throat was starting to feel better. Meds were replaced with 40mg Nexium. It's been 5 or 6 days and again my throat is beginning to swell and become very sore. I'm afraid I have some sort of allergy to ppi.

I would appreciate any advice. What should I do? Lower my dose? I think I need to go back to my specialist asap.

2 likes, 22 replies

22 Replies

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  • dani2590
    dani2590

    Posted

    Obviously I'm very distressed as I may In fact be intolerant to these meds. What happens to people in my position?

    • Barretts
      Barretts dani2590

      Posted

      The other option apart from medication would be to consider fundoplication surgery to reduce reflux.
  • Barretts
    Barretts dani2590

    Posted

    It does seem a strange reaction. There are many different PPIs but if both of these have failed you, perhaps you need to take a less effective H2 blocker instead (eg ranitidine or Zantac). You'll probably need to take 300mg a day so ask your doctor for a prescription rather than buying the 75mg over the counter.
    • dani2590
      dani2590 Barretts

      Posted

      Hi Barrett's. Thanks for the msg. It is strange. Do you think it could simply be the reflux irritating my throat? I have pharyngitis - inflammation of the pharynx.
    • Barretts
      Barretts dani2590

      Posted

      Symptoms definitely suggest reflux a the cause rather than the PPIs but timing seems to contadict that?

      If you go to DownWithAcid org uk and find "Extra-Oesophageal Reflux" link below the main Reflux section headiing, you can read more about it.

    • dani2590
      dani2590 Barretts

      Posted

      Yes the timing seems off.

      I wonder whether it might be wise to undergo further testing like barium swallow etc to see how much I'm refluxing? I don't feel any acid coming up into my throat, not that far up to reach the pharynx anyway! so it's strange that my throat would be so irritated.

      Thanks for the info I will check it out.

    • rex_44766
      rex_44766 dani2590

      Posted

      Dani you dont have to get acid coming up. The gaseous fumes can account for your symptoms. Do have heaps of mucous in the throat?
    • dani2590
      dani2590 rex_44766

      Posted

      Yeah makes sense.

      No I don't have mucous. But my throat seems to make strange noises like gurgling or like the muscles are spasming.

  • dinand06158
    dinand06158 dani2590

    Posted

    It is possible. My Doctor had me switch to Nexium once but i reacted bad.

    Did you try Omeprazole?

    • dani2590
      dani2590 dinand06158

      Posted

      Haven't tried that one. I've tried Rabeprazole and currently on 40mg Nexium - despite the fact it may be causing an issue.
    • jan21306
      jan21306 dani2590

      Posted

      I am on 20mg esomeprazole and 300 mg ranitidine daily.  I have a very sore throat  and oesophagus from reflux, although I cant feel or taste the reflux. I get side effects from PPIs but the ranitidine is a much kinder medication I find, which is why I only have 20 mg of the esomeprazole.
    • rex_44766
      rex_44766 jan21306

      Posted

      The thing I like about Ranitidine is you can feel it working in 30 minutes plus you can get it OTC.
    • dani2590
      dani2590 jan21306

      Posted

      That's like me, I can't feel or taste anything coming up so I don't know how it could be irritating me so much?

    • jan21306
      jan21306 dani2590

      Posted

      I also have sharp stabbing pains in my ear which my doc says is related to the reflux.  He just suggested inhalent to cure it.  Not working so far !
    • dani2590
      dani2590 jan21306

      Posted

      Crazy how reflux causes ear pain. I have ear pain too but assuming it's from the irritated throat. The pain radiates into the ears.
    • Barretts
      Barretts dani2590

      Posted

      Refluxate can traverse the oesophageal column and relux through the cricopharyngeus (LPR) into the respiratory system where it may be aspirated through the throat and into the eustachian tube to the ear.

      Reflux has been linked to otitis media ("glue ear"), excessive wax production reducing hearing, peripheral vertigo (dizziness) and more.

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