Lansoprazole and osteoporosis risk

[Egghead68]

Hi - developed a hiatus hernia and severe acid reflux about a month ago. The discomfort was so severe I had been seriously considering private surgery, even though it can make thins worse. Anyhow GP reluctantly gave me a trial of lansoprazole a few days ago which seems to be a miracle cure. I feel wonderful on it and all my symptoms have gone (apart from a bit of burping). Problem is that he says he won’t prescribe it for more than a month because of the osteoporosis risk (especially as I already have osteopenia). I really can’t face going back to how things were. Does anyone know anything about this or any ways to mitigate the osteoporosis risk? I know of lots of people who are on long-term omeprazole or lansoprazole so I think the risks can’t be all that high.

[BrillyPribble]

Long term PPI use can also lead to b12 deficiency so you should be taking a b12 supplement as well (b12 needs a high stomach acidity level for absorption).
My FIL has Barrett's oesophagus and it's a really miserable condition, he's had to have pre-cancerous cells removed twice.

[Egghead68]

Thanks BrilyPribble. I take high dose B12 anyhow (am vegetarian).

I am sure that Barrett's oesophagus is absolutely horrible and I am keen to avoid it. Severe reflux is soul-destroying enough.

Other answers: I do plenty of resistance exercises (5+ classes a week - not that they prevented me developing osteopenia) and my osteopenia is mild (0.5% 10 year risk of osteoporitic pelvic fracture etc as stated further up thread) T-scores are between -1 and -2 depending on area I think (worse on right due to leg length difference).

I take a calcium supplement any how (osteocare). My heart's pretty healthy so I'll just have to take the hit (everything is a trade-off).

I'm aware of the research showing that under 30 days PPI use at a time is safe. I agree that it sounds like a good compromise to use it in 30-day stretches when my reflux is really bad and rely on other types of drug in between (as well a wedge pillow, small meals, no food 3 hours before bed or exercise). I hope my GP will agree.

Thanks so much everyone for your help.

[LauraMontreville]

Place marking to read (and panic over!) later