Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - What medicine do you take ? Does it help ?

[bangkokairportlink]

Hello,

 

Can I know what medicine you are taking for Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease

 

I am looking for people with experience to tell what has helped them over the years.

 

Thank you.

 

 

[Flustered]

Lansoprazole 30mg first thing in the morning 30 minutes before breakfast.

 

Absolutely no problems while taking it but I tried stopping to see if it was OK once and within a few days the problem was back.

 

 

[bangkokairportlink]

45 minutes ago, Flustered said:

Lansoprazole 30mg first thing in the morning 30 minutes before breakfast.

 

Absolutely no problems while taking it but I tried stopping to see if it was OK once and within a few days the problem was back.

 

 

 

Thank you, so you mean that you have to take it forever ? Any problem taking it long term ? And you do not need anything else ?

 

This kind of treatment I can do it ! I am looking for something easy !

 

 

 

 

[Flustered]

1 minute ago, bangkokairportlink said:

 

Thank you, so you mean that you have to take it forever ? Any problem taking it long term ? And you do not need anything else ?

 

This kind of treatment I can do it ! I am looking for something easy !

 

 

 

 

It is one of the most common drugs used in treatment of acid reflux. And yes, I take it forever (till I push up the daisies).

 

I have a hiatus hernia which causes the acid reflux and this really helps.

 

I have been taking it for over 10 years with no apparent side effects at all. Talking with others over the years, this seems the most popular drug for controlling it.

 

In your case, it all depends on what is causing your acid reflux. For me, I am not prepared to have an operation that may or may not improve the situation but could worsen it so it is the lanzoprazol.

 

You really need to look at the cause and not the symptoms. It could be as simple as a change in food will sort you out, no curries or alcohol. Bummer I know but you have to do what you have to do.

 

Good luck.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I don't need or take this kind of medication on any kind of long term basis. But I need need to take it in the past at one point, so I read up on the issues at the time. There are potential health concerns especially about long-term use, and those concerns have been elevated in recent years by new studies on various adverse impacts related to long-term use. If you're having problems, you should consult with a gastro doctor, and not just set out on a course of self-medicating.

 

See the following as examples of the discussion:

 

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/820136

 

Quote

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), available with or without a prescription, are commonly used for the treatment of acid-related disorders. Despite their ease of availability and common use, PPIs can have severe side effects. The long-term consequences of chronic PPI use include the potential increased risk of hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, Clostridium difficile infections, and pneumonia.

 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314145.php

 

Quote

 

Common heartburn drugs may raise stroke risk

By Honor Whiteman

published Wednesday 16 November 2016

 

Proton pump inhibitors are a class of drugs commonly used to treat heartburn - pain in the chest or throat caused by the rising of stomach acid into the esophagus. But new research suggests this medication should be used with caution, after finding it could raise the risk of ischemic stroke.

In a study of almost 245,000 Danish adults, researchers found the risk of ischemic stroke was increased by a fifth with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

 

 

 

Edited June 23, 2017 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[chickenslegs]

I use Ranitidine 300mg caps to treat my acid reflux (hiatus hernia), but I dont use it regularly - just when I feel an attack coming on (usually overindulgence in cheese, pastry, bread).

 

Ranitidine is easily available here and really cheap.

 

When living in the UK I used Zantac (branded Ranitidine), which is quite expensive, and I found that the dissolvable version was very quick-acting. Unfortunately I never found it in Thailand and it seems to have disappeared from the pharmacies in the UK too.

 

If anyone knows of a dissolvable version of Ranitidine in Thailand I would appreciate it.

[Flustered]

Just a cautionary note.

 

Honor Whiteman is not a qualified doctor but a journalist. She is reporting other research which also states that at the lowest doses of the PPIs, there was slight or no increased stroke risk.

http://newsroom.heart.org/news/Xpopular-heartburn-medication-may-increase-ischemic-stroke-risk

 

The OP has GERD which is caused by a hiatus hernia and not just common heartburn. If he has been diagnosed as having GERD I assume he has seen a doctor and been assessed. We are all different and not everyone has to take this treatment ad infinitum. For many it is only a 12 week course.

 

Without doubt, the best course of action is to see a qualified medical specialist.

 

I need this medication permanently and along with hundreds and thousands of others have no issues or problems with it. I have been taking it for over 10 years and no side or ill effects.

 

See a specialist doctor.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

5 minutes ago, Flustered said:

The OP has GERD which is caused by a hiatus hernia and not just common heartburn. If he has been diagnosed as having GERD I assume he has seen a doctor and been assessed.

Actually, we don't know "what" the OP has or has been diagnosed with, or by whom...

 

All we know is, the OP asked about medications for a specific condition. He made no mention of having seen a doctor and whether any doctor he may have seen diagnosed GERD.  But even if GERD was the diagnosis, that doesn't change the issues that have been raised about long-term use of these medications.

 

When I had my short-term stomach problems a while back, I went to see a gastro specialist in BKK and she prescribed omaprazole. We had a discussion about its use, and she said it's fine for short-term use, like a month or so. But she also cautioned about its longer term use.

 

[Flustered]

4 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

Actually, we don't know "what" the OP has or has been diagnosed with, or by whom...

 

Don't get on your high horse.

 

The OP asked for advice on GERD. As this is a specific item it is reasonable to assume he has already seen a doctor. as how else would he know he has GERD?

 

I still state that he should see a specialist doctor and not go by what some FMs may or may not have. That is why I explained my case and then stated clearly to see a specialist.

 

He is looking for information not scare stories or arguments.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

If he had already seen a gastro doctor, why would he be asking on ThaiVisa what kind of medicines people take for a particular condition?

 

If he had in fact seen a gastro doctor for a specific problem, presumably the doctor would have prescribed an appropriate medication, and he could have had that discussion with his doctor.

 

You're making a lot of presumptions that simply aren't known on the basis of the OPs post. And by the way, the various studies that point to risks with long term use of these medications ARE information, and not stories or arguments. Just because you've had no problems doesn't mean there aren't risks with these medications.

 

[Flustered]

For gods sakes. He asked for information and all you want to do is hijack the thread for an argument and scare link.

 

You don't have GERD, you don't have a hiatus hernia so you do not know how much this affects someone.

 

My last words.

 

OP, you have my response as someone who has this condition and I hope you receive other helpful responses. 

 

Good luck.

 

[stubuzz]

I have GERD and gastritis and the worst thing to take is PPI and antacids as it only hides the symptoms.  It is mainly caused by poor bad eating habits and not enough stomach acid, so apple cider vinegar before meals works for me.  If i have a a particularly bad episode i will take 1 motilium tablet.

[Ulysses G.]

I used drugs to control it when I was in Thailand, but had a friend bring me some Rolaids (you could not buy them in Thailand at the time) and realized that one or two would control it completely when I needed it. All they are is calcium, so not unhealthy. Later, I found out that a teaspoon per day of unrefined coconut oil mostly kept it under control and once in a while a Rolaid or Tums right before bed, if I eaten something acidic. However, I am not sure that coconut oil works on everyone - not a lot of info on the internet concerning that effect. It does work on me. 

[jeab1980]

IUsed Lansoprazole 30mg  for 10 years in uk along with and i cant remember the name now a 300mg slow release anti acid tablet on the night time as prescribed by UK quack.

Came here with about 6 months supply. Couldnt get either of them here so used a few diffrent types untill i hit on the perfect formula for me 2x 20mg omeprazole in the morning and two x 150mg ranitadine on the night. Works for me if i forget to take either i know in about 2 hrs as the acid starts.

No long term side affects that i am aware of. But rather than the crap acid and heartburn and all the other symptoms i get if i dont take them. I will carry on taking them.

Edited June 24, 2017 by jeab1980

[Flustered]

7 hours ago, stubuzz said:

I have GERD and gastritis and the worst thing to take is PPI and antacids as it only hides the symptoms.  It is mainly caused by poor bad eating habits and not enough stomach acid, so apple cider vinegar before meals works for me.  If i have a a particularly bad episode i will take 1 motilium tablet.

Until we hear back from the OP we will not know what is causing his GERD. If it is just heartburn then PPi is not the answer but if it is a  hiatus hernia, it needs to be dealt with by a specialist doctor.

 

Unless someone has a  hiatus hernia, they do not know the discomfort it can cause even when on a very restricted diet.

 

 

 

[jeab1980]

4 minutes ago, Flustered said:

Until we hear back from the OP we will not know what is causing his GERD. If it is just heartburn then PPi is not the answer but if it is a  hiatus hernia, it needs to be dealt with by a specialist doctor.

 

Unless someone has a  hiatus hernia, they do not know the discomfort it can cause even when on a very restricted diet.

 

 

 

So true

[Mrjlh]

Simple over the counter "Gaviscon".  Either liquid of chew-able tablets.

[jeab1980]

Just now, Mrjlh said:

Simple over the counter "Gaviscon".  Either liquid of chew-able tablets.

Yep tried that works for about an hour. 

[Flustered]

8 minutes ago, jeab1980 said:

So true

Thanks jeab.

 

It's easy to comment about what drugs you should or should not take but anyone who has a  hiatus hernia knows what the issues are.This is not straight forward heart burn.

 

Despite the diet and the medication, I still have to sleep with my body angled downwards (3 pillows) to stop the reflux during sleeping.

 

OP, please let us have more information on your diagnosis so as to stop speculation.

 

P.S.

 

Just noticed that looking at his posts on another thread on the same subject, it would appear the OP is self diagnosing, the worst thing anyone can ever do.

Edited June 24, 2017 by Flustered

[bazza73]

I've been taking pantoprazole ( Somac ) for about 15 years now, no side effects I'm aware of. The OP could also assist himself with the following strategies:

1/ Elevate head with a pillow

2/ Do not eat food in the 3 hours before going to bed

3/ Avoid fatty foods at dinner. Finish with fruit to assist digestion

4/ Moderate alcohol consumption

 

Works for me. Finally, and quite important - have a glass of water by the bed for when there is an episode of gastric reflux. Swallowing water immediately reduces the potential for damage of the esophagus, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

[jeab1980]

16 minutes ago, bazza73 said:

I've been taking pantoprazole ( Somac ) for about 15 years now, no side effects I'm aware of. The OP could also assist himself with the following strategies:

1/ Elevate head with a pillow

2/ Do not eat food in the 3 hours before going to bed

3/ Avoid fatty foods at dinner. Finish with fruit to assist digestion

4/ Moderate alcohol consumption

 

Works for me. Finally, and quite important - have a glass of water by the bed for when there is an episode of gastric reflux. Swallowing water immediately reduces the potential for damage of the esophagus, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

Now there you see quack told me not to eat fruit 3 hrs before bed time in the end people who suffer this have there own regime. What works for one doesnt for others. Beer wise im lucky apart from headaches? i dont suffer acid wise. However i drink very little now anyway but when i go on a blow out im ok. Head up cant do i try to get level in bed but the night tablets works well. Pastry/spicy/crisps  amongs other things and of all the stupid things tomato sauce are my nemesis. Not forgetting any fizzy soft soda type drinks. 

[cyberfarang]

I have suffered from acute acid reflux for years and still suffering from it. I take one teaspoon full of ENOs in the morning and the same again in the evening. It helps but only gives temporary relief and doesn`t solve the problem. Tried several types of medications, even stuff prescribed by a hospital, but again they only give temporary relief. I wake up in the morning and it feels like my guts are on fire and at times bring up hot boiling acid. It`s a most unpleasant disorder. It is said if allowed to continue AF can cause cancer and other health complications.

 

Only ways to relieve the symptoms of AF on a more permanent basis, is to give up smoking (those who smoke), no alcoholic drinks, no soft fizzy drinks, no spicy foods and more soft foods rather than hard foods that require extra digesting. Boring but that`s the only solution for dealing with it.

[bangkokairportlink]

The problem with doctors is that he only thing that they say is : EAT BETTER

 

And yes, I have met many that have nothing else interesting to say but take medicine.

 

This is why I am asking what is the best one for you, and it seems that everybody is taking the same molecule, so why arguing that everybody is different ?

 

Thank you.

[bangkokairportlink]

58 minutes ago, bazza73 said:

I've been taking pantoprazole ( Somac ) for about 15 years now, no side effects I'm aware of. The OP could also assist himself with the following strategies:

1/ Elevate head with a pillow

2/ Do not eat food in the 3 hours before going to bed

3/ Avoid fatty foods at dinner. Finish with fruit to assist digestion

4/ Moderate alcohol consumption

 

Works for me. Finally, and quite important - have a glass of water by the bed for when there is an episode of gastric reflux. Swallowing water immediately reduces the potential for damage of the esophagus, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

 

Thank you for the glass of water, I didn't know.

 

The rest is what doctors keep repeating and that is certainly true but boring.

 

 

 

[jeab1980]

2 minutes ago, bangkokairportlink said:

The problem with doctors is that he only thing that they say is : EAT BETTER

 

And yes, I have met many that have nothing else interesting to say but take medicine.

 

This is why I am asking what is the best one for you, and it seems that everybody is taking the same molecule, so why arguing that everybody is different ?

 

Thank you.

Beacuse everybody is diffrent as i said what regime works for one doesnt work for another. Its a game of try it and see. However untill you have seen a quack and a specialist sticking an endascope down and having a look see it could be anything. Cyberfarang has tried the perscribed drugs probably the same as i and others take they seem not to work for him where as they do for me. Very rare now i get the reflux unless ive been a div and forgot to take tablets.

[Flustered]

1 hour ago, bangkokairportlink said:

 

Thank you for the glass of water, I didn't know.

 

The rest is what doctors keep repeating and that is certainly true but boring.

 

 

 

Have you had an endoscopy carried out yet?

 

It's not very expensive and will tell if you have a hiatus hernia or a stomach ulcer or any other inflammation. Then it is relatively straight forward to treat.

 

That is why it is important to see a specialist rather than a back street quack.

[TonyClifton]

Omeprazole generic.  It's cheap if you know where to buy it.  You better start taking something, not only is it unpleasant, but it can give you cancer.

[Mrjlh]

The OP should be asking a real Doctor not here.

[Flustered]

5 minutes ago, Mrjlh said:

The OP should be asking a real Doctor not here.

Which is what I have been saying but he is self medicating.

 

Trouble is that there are many medical issue threads on TV and a million and one people who will tell you what is wrong and what you should take for it.

 

I know that finding a decent doctor in Thailand can be hard, but maybe that should have been the question.

 

Also, this is nothing compared to the sailorjon thread.

 

[TonyClifton]

4 minutes ago, Mrjlh said:

The OP should be asking a real Doctor not here.

The OP doesn't need a doctor.