Excessive use of Omeprazole or Protonix

Published

It's like every elderly patient I care for is on Omeprazole... anyone else?

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
Just today I saw an ad on TV from a medical malpractice law firm looking for clients who have had renal problems up to and including esrd while or after taking a ppi. Supposedly there are two studies that found a correlation between these meds and kidney damage. Obviously this is not a reliable source to change your practice by- but I found it interesting. And couldn't help but think that every dialysis pt in the country will be calling them because it seems like anyone with chronic issues or who has been in the hospital is given these meds.

Those lawyers will sue anyone for anything even if the potential side effect is clearly listed.

I just found out 30 minutes ago from my new doctor that omeprazole can interfere with vitamin d absorption. EVERY medication has a risk and a benefit and it's up to the individual provider and the patient to decide which outweighs which.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
Tried to DC self off omeprazole, symptoms struck again with a vengeance. Vet has my doggie on the med too.

I have a fantasy about weaning myself off someday. Right now, I can skip one day ... maybe two ... but then symptoms come back and I am very uncomfortable. Sometimes, I think I should take it just every other day and see if over time, I can wean myself off gradually.

The sad thing is that I didn't have any heartburn when the omeprazole was first prescribed. I was started on it because I had an acute injury to my esophagus and the tests for that showed abnormal peristalsis and very mild reflux. I never had any actual symptoms of the reflux -- never needed anti-acids, etc. But the docs thought I should take something while my acute injury healed ... and I got hooked on it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

llg,

I don't mean to be fresh, but honey you need to get yourself a better fantasy than weaning yourself off a PPI!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

It does seem every other person takes prilosec, synthroid or both. Most don't seem to mind waking up at 5 am to take it, but for the one's that do object we can change the time. Purely anecdotal evidence from personal experience but I haven't seen any increase in GERD symptoms from giving the med a little later. Even if it is scheduled for 7 with such a huge AM med pass I guarantee not everyone that is taking it actually gets it before breakfast.

I have also seen many cases where a dose reduction or taper was attempted without success, but it is worth trying.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
It does seem every other person takes prilosec, synthroid or both. Most don't seem to mind waking up at 5 am to take it, but for the one's that do object we can change the time. Purely anecdotal evidence from personal experience but I haven't seen any increase in GERD symptoms from giving the med a little later. Even if it is scheduled for 7 with such a huge AM med pass I guarantee not everyone that is taking it actually gets it before breakfast.

I have also seen many cases where a dose reduction or taper was attempted without success, but it is worth trying.

Hmm... I take omeperazole in the evening, with dinner around 8 pm. I take my synthroid first thing in the morning -- whenever a get of bed, the time varies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

The manufacturer of Omeprazole indicates it should be given before a meal on an empty stomach. DPH will tag anyone who gives it outside that parameter. We all know, the real world is quite different and if it works for you, who cares when you take it?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric.

[hQUOTE=GRAB1;9017462]It's like every elderly patient I care for is on Omeprazole... anyone else?

oh yes it seems like every patient is on it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion