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Post subject: PRILOSEC - Long Term Use Problems?
MsRana - Mon Jan 19, 2004 9:06 pm |
PRILOSEC - Long Term Use Problems?
I have found PRILOSEC, a miracle medicine (at least as far as I am concerned). I am going to place my question here, at the beginning, in case you do not need the history below. Simply put -- I want to take Prilosec forever. It works. It's the only relief I have ever had. But the box states no more than 14 doses (2 weeks) in a 4 month period. It works while I am taking it, but the symptoms return when I stop. At this time, I have used the recommended dosage of 14 days, approximately three times in the four month period, plus took a pill here and there occasionally in-between full treatments. I want to take the medication at least every other day, or once every 72 hours from now on, because when I stop for a couple days, the symptoms return in full. But I have found that every other day, rather than daily, is sufficient for me on doses. What are the long term side effects if I choose to take the medication continually from now on, doses of every other day or every three days? I want to weigh the benefits versus the long term effects.
I have been to a number of doctors over the years to treat acid reflux and a hiatal hernia. I have had prescribed just about every ulcer medication on the market, and tried every type of antacid and acid inhibitor or blocker. Some worked for a while, then quit working, and most did not really work at all but simply reduced the aggravation for a few moments at a time. Some of the symptoms I experience frequently (daily or more often) are heartburn, stomach fluids that roll up into my throat whenever I recline - even a little bit, and some foods do not seem to digest all the way like hamburger (which becomes a nasty heavy fluid in my stomach that rolls up in my throat when I fall asleep then slide down on my pillows, which causes me to feel like I'm drowning, coughing horribly, and throwing up). I know ... very unpleasant, huh? I have to sleep almost sitting up. Prilosec allowed me to sleep lying down for the first time in 20 years. Like I said, I've seen doctors about this repeatedly, and over the past two years, I got discouraged, just gave up, lived with it and treated the symptoms as best I could.
When I read about Nexium, I immediately went to my doctor. My doctor said Nexium will not cure my problem but it can give me relief. I received a prescription that my insurance will not fill. I cannot afford $200 a month on my own. Prilosec is $28 a month, and IT WORKS.
I have been diagnosed (by doctors) with hiatal hernia, supposedly caused by hyper emesis during several pregnancies (I lost 80 pounds during each pregnancy). I have also been told that I produce full meal stomach acid all the time instead of regular amounts. I am unable to obtain surgery for this condition. I am allergic and/or have severe reactions to all anesthetics and most pain killers. When I broke my arm, they used a blood cuff that stopped circulation in the arm to place the pins, rather than anesthetic. I do not receive any anesthetic for dental work, I just endure it. I even tried an epidural for my tubal ligation after my last child was born, and I had a bad reaction to that. So surgery is not option.
I hope you can help here. Valerie
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Post subject:
Tamer Fouad, M.D. - Tue Jan 20, 2004 8:02 am |
In long term (2-year) studies in rats, omeprazole (e.g. prilosec) produced a dose related increase in gastric carcinoid tumors. While avaliable endoscopic evaluations and histologic examinations of human biopsies have not detected a risk from short term (8 week) use, further research and longer follow up is needed to find out the risk of developing that kind of complication in humans.
One other concern relates to a theoretical risk of atrophy of the stomach lining because of the long-term suppression of acid secretion by stomach cells, but this has not led to complications in patients so far.
That said it should be known that proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole) drugs have now been available for about 10 years and have been used even longer in clinical research studies. To date, no severe long-term side effects have been detected. Thus, it is considered safe to take PPI medications indefinitely at this time.
Take a look at this article on The Doctors Lounge which describes the possible complications and when to seek urgent advice in cases with GERD.
Click here!
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Post subject: Thank you so much
MsRana - Tue Jan 20, 2004 4:17 pm |
Thank you so much. I spoke to pharmacists, and all they could tell me was read the warnings in the package. The warning for the limited 2 week per four month use, was not explained. And no where did it say why there was a limit on the usage. I do not plan to use it daily. I asked two doctors, and they said they were not sure, because they prescribed similar prescriptions for daily use. I take one every 48-72 hours, and many times I skip several days until the syptoms return. I am willing to take the risk in order to have restful sleep in which I no longer wake up drowning and throwing up from the stomach fluids. Thank you so much.
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