GERD meds--side effects & what's in capsules?

I have been taking one Rx med for GERDS for over 10 years, usually the generic. Now for the last 4 yrs I've been on OMEPAZOLE  and they just found out my hip bone has osteoporous arthritis.  Can it be from the Omepazole?

I drink milk, eat yogurt, eat calcium-rich food and never smoked or drank any alcohol ! I am overweight (a whole other story) and walk & garden a lot! I'm always in the garden if it's warm enough. SO I am active.

For the last two years have worked out at a gym with weight resistance machines but then this shocker this fall that my hip has osteoporous arthritis!

My ankle and foot test was great!  Should I wean myself off the Omepazole and what alternative med. could I use? I am 65 yrs old and also notice memory slow down!

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi,
There are case reports of osteoporosis caused by PPI.
Calicum needs acidic environment to get absorbed. PPI by suppressing the acid production changes this environment and affects the absorption of calcium resulting in osteoporosis- This is how PPI is believed to cause osteoporosis.
But in your case old age could also be a factor.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.

[Marcy08]

I just read that they (don't know who "they" are) found the same chemical that's so harmful in plastic bottles etc. in CAPSULES that are used for PPI!  Have you heard of any of this?

What about memory loss from PPI? IS it permanent or temporary?

Thank you for your first answer.

[Marcy08]

I don't feel like an OLD (OLD AGE is a factor)---I FEEL like I'm in my early 50's and as I said I work out at the gym!

I'm not "elderly" in most ways except arthritis!  Anyway--65 is the old 45!!

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Memory loss is not well reported as a side effect of PPI.
Regarding the 'plastic ' thing I have never heard of it.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.