Interaction between Protonix and B12 deficiency

[lchelsemom]

I have written to you previously about my declining B12 level due to malabsorption.  Over the past year my B12 levels have been declining despite the fact that I am recieving the same injection as I have for the past 10 years.

Can protonix be inhibiting the absorption of the B12?  Also, over the past 3 weeks I have been experiencing severe nausea on an almost daily basis.  Two nights ago I actually vomited (no temp or other illness).  I had a colon. and endo.about a month ago and all they found was a colon polyp that was removed. If I am still getting nausea while taking protonix, should I stop taking protonix? Can I just stop taking it?  I have already tried prevacid.

The doctor is giving me pills for nausea and is not really interested in exploring the cause.  How could I have good test results and have such a crummy stomach?  It makes no sense to me.

Thank you for your help.

[yoshi]

all these PPI medications does a good job reducing stomach acid which is needed to kill bacteria and digest food.
Your nausea could be caused by not enough stomach acid!!

[merhaba]

This is very interesting...the b12 issue. Two days ago when I picked up my prescription of protonix, which I have been taking for 2+ years , the accompanying printout from my pharmacy  said that studies have shown for people taking protonix for over 3 years that side effects related to pernicius anemia have been found including numbness of wrists feet, etc. I found this particularly interesting since I have been having these symptoms for over a year on and off and went to my doctor over a year ago about them sure that I had a stroke.  I assumed it was the nicorette gum I have been chewing. Nothing was found of course during the office visit and I was left thinking that I was crazy.  Since this side effect seems to be newly listed on the prescription print out( which came from Jewel Oscom  a chain in the midwest) I was very upset.   I stopped taking protonix that night. Further I started taking b12 pill supplements. I am hoping for the best. My numbness sometime included my chin. I have had less incidences of this over the weekend. If all these symptoms go away I will be letting my doctor know so that they will prescribe this with caution.  I am very upset and right now I am using some over the counter acid reducers instead, although they seem less effective.

[yoshi]

all these PPI medication have side effects-headache,nausea,constipation,etc.
Watch what you eat and avoid food which causes gas,if you must eat them(we are all human),eat them early in the day.
chew gum,you own saliva contains bicarbonate and would neutralise gas in your stomach,also eat one - RED DELICIOUS apple a day,if possible make it the last food item of the day as it is alkaline and you would go to bed with an alkaline stomach.
soda cracker is also good for the stomach.
try not to eat 3 hours before bedtime and keep your bowel moving.
I came across this Red DELICIOUS APPLE recipe while surfing the web,it tightens the stomach tissues and turn the stomach content alkaline instead of acidic.
I used to take nexium,prevacid,prilosec,zantac,you name it ,now I just watch what I eat and eat a RED DELICIOUS apple a day.
Make sure it is red delicious,not the other brands and it does not cost you an arm or a leg in the grocery store.

[lchelsemom]

What other types of therapy could be used?  I have tried prevacid without much luck.

[ckg]

If you're really have those types of side-effects after this long ... I'd consider switching therapies.

According to a recent study, Protonix controls pH > 4 the least (a bad thing) amount of time in comparison to the other PPI therapies.

[Sarah Connors]

No clinically known interactions between Protonix & Vit B12.

[chrisr]

I have also been on Protonix for the last 2 months and experience severe nausea and loss of appetite. However I have been on alot of other meds (see above question) and it may be side effects of one of these. But I do not get relief with Protonix. May I ask what anti-nausea med work best for you?
Thanks,
ChrisR

[lchelsemom]

That is interesting since I also had my gall bladder removed when I was 32.  It was a very bad gall bladder and I was really sick.  I was thinking earler that it is a shame that so many people in all the forums send questions to medhelp rather than asking their Dr.

I guess I will continue to take a towel with me when I am feeling nauseas and try the anti- nausea pills the Dr. gave me. At least I feel a bit better that there seem to be alot of people who have unaswered questions about their medical conditions (although I don't wish medical conditions to anybody).

[diamond79]

I am having similar problems. I have had nausea for almost 2 years. I am on Protonix(Pantoloc here in Canada) as well. Been on it for about 2 months now. Every test I had came back normal--with the exception of my GB which I had removed(and didn't solve anything). I just had an H. Pylori breath test a week ago and still waiting for the result--secretary says they would have called her if anything was wrong so I'm assuming that was negetive too. This is driving me nuts--I know something is wrong but what??
Anyways, I do hope you find the answer to your question. I do sympathize with you, I know how it feels.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would discuss with your personal physician whether to discontinue the Protonix.  I am not aware of this medication being associated with vitamin B-12 absorption.

Regarding the nausea, a variety of tests can be done for further evaluation.  This can include an upper GI series, upper endoscopy, 24-hr pH study (looking for GERD), and an abdominal ultrasound (looking for liver or gallbladder conditions).  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with your gastroenterologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com