Posted , 15 users are following.
Hi all,
I've only been on the forum for a couple of weeks but am surprised to learn that some people who've been on Pred for a while, are only just beginning to take a supplement.
My GP prescribed Omeprazole, first thing in the morning, and Calcichew-D, for after my evening meal.
Is is that unusual or do most of you have these as well?
1 like, 28 replies
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louisa85653 linfran
Posted
Nefret linfran
Posted
There are patients who are unable to take either calcium or the PPI due to other medical conditions.
jon02168 linfran
Posted
Anhaga jon02168
Posted
Calcium with D3 (and you really should get other nutrients as well but that doesn't seem to be the standard protocol) because pred can cause bone thinning. The other two are very questionable and should not be taken unless there is a proven need.
linfran jon02168
Posted
I don't know I do need them as such. I understand the Omeprazole is given to ward off irritation of the stomach, though it's not something I'm generally prone to. The calcium supplement is to prevent osteoporosis.
snapperblue linfran
Posted
As far as I know, Omeprazole is not a supplement, it is a drug taken to prevent irritation of the stomach. Some people have a problem with this when taking prednisone. I found that I had this stomach trouble only if I tried taking NSAID pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofin, etc.)- I tried it at another time of day from when taking the pred but still got a sore tummy so I switched to Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Unless a person has another stomach problem or has reacted to prednisone, I don't think Omeprazole is given as a matter of course with prednosone.
A calcium supplement with vitamin D is normally given since, as Anhaga says, prednisone reduces the calcium in the bones.
Anhaga snapperblue
Posted
louisa85653 snapperblue
Posted
I also am on methotrexate as well now and was prescribed folic acid as a supplement to that. I am now waiting to see how that all balances out. I would love not to be on so much medication and hope it is all helping - I think it is:-)
Anhaga louisa85653
Posted
Loulie linfran
Posted
Yes, I take Adcal D3 daily and also Ranitidine (similar to Omprazole which didn't agree with me). I too have Alendronic acid but as an annual infusion to bypass the stomach. This is necessary as I have osteopenia (both my 94 yr old parents have osteoporosis) and obviously pred is not good for bones. One thing leads to another in this world of being pumped with different drugs ??
ptolemy linfran
Posted
danielle_65358 linfran
Posted
I wasn't given Omeprazole by my Rhemy at the start of PMR. It was only after a check up with my GP that it was highly suggested. I resisted as I haven't had any stomach issues with Pred. Even taken on an empty stomach. Her response was: once you do have problems, it's too late. Better to prevent. So, I do take Nexium.
As I have to take it separate from Pred, separate from my AM thyroid meds and separate from my noon vitamins (which also include Vit D and calcium) I often forget. ??
Anhaga danielle_65358
Posted
No one ever suggested I needed more than food to protect my stomach from pred. After over a year I can safely say that it has given me no problems at all. I usually have it after breakfast, but I know some people eat part of their meal, take the pred, then finish the meal, sort of a sandwich effect I guess. I try to remember to do that but usually forget. Some people take pred in the wee small hours with only a small helping of yoghurt and they seem to be fine.
Nexium and Omeprazole are the same thing, aren't they?
ronald39523 linfran
Posted
I take Calcichew twice a day and Alendronic acid once a week both to counteract the effect of steroids on bone density, which apparently can make women in particular more susceptible to osteoporosis. I have taken Lansoprasole for much longer, well before the PMR came for a totally unrelated issue, and I'm not able to see any connection. Is there one? I would be very interested to know. R
Kittylitter linfran
Posted
Reading the discussion, I am wondering what the difference is between coated and uncoated pred? I find I do get terrible acid reflux at times and at others not. I haven't taken any notice as to whether the pills are coated or not and wonder if this may have an impact? I would rather not take the PPI but have to at times. Thanks.
Oregonjohn-UK Kittylitter
Posted
Nefret Kittylitter
Posted
You.ve got it - the enteric coated ones were/are given to those who, generally speaking, already had gastric issues. It by-passes the stomach and is absorbed lower down in the gut. I couldn't take the uncoated ones at all, even with Lansoprazole.
There was a push a few years ago to get everyone on the uncoated ones (which is how I know I can't take them) on the grounds that it was a cheaper process even with having to prescribe a PPI alongside them. The world turns round though and both varieties are now roughly the same cost. The 5mg tab is red and the 2.5mg is brown. The 2.5mg is only available as a coated tab.
EileenH Kittylitter
Posted
Enteric coated pred is only available in the UK as far as I know. "Ordinary" pred is usually white, enteric coated 5mg pred is red, 2.5mg brown.