I don't think it is fair to the patient who goes to the Gastroenterologist that the doctor doesn't review the patient's health record to see if osteoporosis runs in the patient's family. I took Nexium for 5 years, 2xs per day and was never told by my first Gastroenterologist that it would prevent the absorption of Calcium. Now I have Osteoporosis and my bones actually hurt. I can also injure myself easily and will end up on some powerful bone medication.
hsum4
I posted her in 2008. I've learned a lot since.
I think Prevacid is a PPI. Ask your pharmacist. PPI's inhibit the absorbtion of calcium. I asked my gastrointerologist and he said "yes it does". I read that people who take PPI's for a long time, should take small breaks of treatment so they can absorb calcium. I'm NOT telling anyone to do this-follow your doctor's advise.
I also had my Vit.D checked and it was extremely low. This can also cause osteoporosis which I have.
PLEASE tell your doctor you want your Vit.D checked!! It's so very important! I've read that 70% of Americans are walking around with a low level. Low Vit.D can cause all kinds of nasty diseases.
Wow..I know I'm 2 years late with my comment but I've recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. I'm 42 years old for god sake! I've been taking Prevacid for 5 years and my Doctor dismissed the "rumors" as well. I come from a family of fat and skinny but almost 100% healthy members. My Mom didn't start menopause until she was 50 so I know that can't be the problem. I keep thinking; "why are my bones doing this?" To my benefit I'm very active with palates and water aroebics so my bones are not bone to bone in my knee...yet. My biggest worry is that if I keep taking Prevacid I'll need a knee replacement (and possibly more) by the time I'm 50. Proven or not I've read too many complaints tonight pertaining to Osteoperosis and Prevacid. "Uh, hello?" "Pharmacy?" "Please cancel my next 9 prescriptions of Prevacid."
I've been taking PPI's for years per my doctor's instructions. I would like to ask my GI doc about this since I have a problem with my bones. He wouldn't take anyone's opinion on a forum seriously. Would you have a good web site that states this effect of the PPI's and the bones? A site that a doctor would take seriously?
Thanks!
Evidently a recent study has shown that PPIs and histamine blocking medications used to treat acid reflux may contribute to bone loss. They apparently interfere with the way the body absorbs calcium, which can affect the strength of the bones and make them more prone to fracture. The study found that people who took either PPIs or histamine blockers once daily for a year or longer had an increased risk of hip fracture. The risk was even greater for those who took two doses of PPIs daily to control acid reflux.
I take Nexium but had taken Prevacid for long time. Can Nexium cause Osteoporosis?