Acid Reflux (GERD)

[Bernieb]

In addition to having been diagnosed with Acid Reflux (GERD), it was discovered that I had somehow developed the H-Polori bacteria in my upper abdomin (abdomen).  All of this was found during an Endoscopy procedure.  The day after the procedure, my doctor put me on a once-a-day, taken orally, 40 mg Nexium capsule.  I've been on this medicine for 62 days now.  I hear so much about not staying on this drug beyond 8 weeks, and my doctor just prescribed an additional 90-day supply.  What should I do?   I feel great, but I do not how I would feel if I decided to stop taking it.  I'm confused about what I should do, particularily, since I've read about the damage this could cause if continued use beyond 8 weeks.  What should I do?

Thanks

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
PPI like nexium are relatively safe medications. There are no reported serious longtime side effects with it though many are worried about osteoporosis it may cause.
You may stop it and see hwo you feel. If symptoms recur you may continue with low does maintenance therapy. If you feel better even without it, you may stop it altogether.
Since you have been diagnosed with H pylori infection also you need to treat it with appropriate antibiotics.
The best thing to do is treat H.pylori and continue nexium until your symptoms disappear.

[Dalungs]

Hi I have also been diagnosed with Acid reflux, but I take Somac in a 40mg tablet. There hasn't been a symptom of it coming up lately, but now I get massive pains in my stomach sometimes before and sometimes after I eat. Is the medication working or is it now something else?

THanks.