Acid Reducer - how long?

buchannon · January 6, 2011

My doc gave me a 2 week supply of acid reducing pills to help with the reflux after surgery. I have bought some more on my own after that and have been taking them on and off for the last couple weeks. However sometimes I'll wake up and my throat will be sore from (I assume) the acid coming back up.

Should I just be taking an acid reducer every day or how long do people usually stay on these things?

Tiffykins · January 6, 2011

It's very individualized. I'm 19 months out, and I choose to stay on my prilosec for a couple of reasons.

1) Acid can cause hunger, and I still get zero physical hunger and I don't want it.

2) Reflux sucks, and I'm not willing to deal with it.

I never had reflux prior to VSG, and never really allowed myself to suffer with it. I started getting this weird, gnawing twinge around 6-7 weeks post-op, and talked to a few veterans, they confirmed it was probably acid creeping up, and causing the false hunger. I went on Prilosec once daily, and haven't had any issues since.

Most VSG patients are on a PPI for 3-6 months. Some are successful at weaning off, some are not. For me, right now, it's just a choice I make to stay on it, and not wean off of it. I am going to reevaluate it next month when I see my PCM, but I can honestly tell you that I'm not willing to deal with hunger. So, if my hunger returns because of acid, I'll be back on it.

I know a few that used Gaviscon as needed when weaning off of the PPI to control the rebound acid, and I might try that when/if I decide to go off the Prilosec. For me, the fear of Barrett's esophagus, and having reflux keeps me on the PPI as well.

My RX Prilosec states that continued, regular dosing is recommended for full efficacy. If you go a few days in between, it takes time for the drugs to start working again.

buchannon · January 6, 2011

Ah - thanks for the great info. Right now I just bought some over-the-counter 12-hour acid reducer and am taking one in the morning and one at night.

Did you notice a big difference when switching to the prescription PPI? Do you have any side effects from it or is it dangerous to be on for a long time?

I generally like to remain pill-free on a day-to-day basis, but if I am going to cause problems to my esophagus by not taking a PPI I want to do that.

Tiffykins · January 6, 2011

Ah - thanks for the great info. Right now I just bought some over-the-counter 12-hour acid reducer and am taking one in the morning and one at night.

Did you notice a big difference when switching to the prescription PPI? Do you have any side effects from it or is it dangerous to be on for a long time?

I generally like to remain pill-free on a day-to-day basis, but if I am going to cause problems to my esophagus by not taking a PPI I want to do that.

I've always been on the prescription form of omeprazole (generic for Prilosec). But, I do keep OTC Omeprazole on hand in the event I forget to call in my script on time (there is a 3 day turn around on our RX on base). I've taken the OTC a couple of times, and haven't noticed any changes. The big difference I think between the two is that the OTC version is a tablet, and my RX is a capsule with little beads in it.

The side effects are very minimal with long term PPI use. The main concern is Calcium absorption. Since we're on a PPI, we need to take calcium citrate which does not need an acidic environment to be fully absorbed, and utilized in the body properly. I have to take 1000mg calcium citrate daily because I get a good chunk of Calcium in my daily diet from cheese and yogurt. When I was in the losing stage, I was told to take in 1200-1500mg of citrate per day.

The generic form of Prilosec is actually cheaper than the OTC version. For me, it's free because we get RX on base for free with our insurance. If I fill it at Walgreen's a 90 day supply (1 capsule 20mg once daily) is $3.00 with our insurance. I'll keep getting it filled on base #1 because it's free #2 because it gives me an excuse to go to our little military mall and shop LOL.

buchannon · January 6, 2011

Ahh that's interesting about calcium citrate. I'll check out getting an Rx for prilosec (generic version) as I'm sure it'd be cheaper than buying the OTC stuff. Time to use my health insurance for something, right?