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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EileenH linfran
Posted
Omeprazole isn't a supplement - it is a "stomach protection" measure, it prevents the production of gastric acid. I have never taken it and many people either didn't take it at all or stopped because of side effects. It is the latest generation - the older ranitidine/Zantac does the same job with fewer side effects.
Everyone should have been given calcium/vit D supplements from the start - but there are people who have never taken it whose bone density has remained fine. You should have 2 tablets a day usually - taken separately as the body only absorbes so much calcium at one time. And it shouldn't be taken within about 3 hours of the pred - it interferes with the absorption.
Pred for breakfast, calcium for lunch and dinner...
linfran EileenH
Posted
Thanks Eileen. Yes, my mum took Omeprazole for a Barrets Oesophagus. I was using supplement as a shorthand really. I don't have a history of stomach problems and will ask my GP if he thinks I really need it. I guess it's preventative more than anything else.
I have only one Calcichew daily.
ptolemy linfran
Posted
linfran ptolemy
Posted
So yes.
Some people take 2 apparently.
ptolemy linfran
Posted
Anhaga linfran
Posted
Now that is interesting. I've read in a number of sources that one should not take too much calcium at one time as the body cannot absorb it effectively. Much better to have half that dose twice a day (and of course never with pred, iron, or a few other things it out-competes, like magnesium) Is this, seriously, the go to medication prescribed in the UK?
From May clinic site: Your body must be able to absorb the calcium for it to be effective. All varieties of calcium supplements are better absorbed when taken in small doses (500 mg or less) at mealtimes. Calcium citrate is absorbed equally well when taken with or without food and is a form recommended for individuals with low stomach acid (more common in people over 50 or taking acid blockers), inflammatory bowel disease or absorption disorders.
Anhaga
Posted
Mayo Clinic of course!
Loulie EileenH
Posted
Thank you for that information Eileen. I take Ranitidine, as Omeprazole and I didn't get on. At one time I was on Naproxen for arthritis inflamation but I developed some stomach bleeding, so I take Ranitidine to protect my stomach. I didn't realise I wasn't to take Calci/D3 within 3 hours of taking Pred, so thanks for that info. I will change my regime now.
EileenH Anhaga
Posted
That must be a new dosage - I've always had a 400IU vit D/600mg calcium which is ideal. No doubt it's claimed to be cheaper or something - and improves compliance as it is only 1 tablet. Doesn't make it better though.
pauline36422 linfran
Posted