How long can you take Prilosec

[billwh]

I've taken it daily for the past three years. I've read somewhere on the internet that you can't take it for that long at a time; it may cause fundic polyps of the stomach (which I recently had removed during an endoscopy). However my gastro doc claims that it's completely safe to use indefinitely.

What is your experience with Prilosec, and do you think it's safe to use indefinitely for GERD?

[CalGal]

Purportedly, you can take them for extended periods of time. However, there are people who do develop polyps, so monitoring is a must. Other drawbacks are they can cause a change in gallbladder function, and in some because of the reduction of acid and intrinsic factor, B12 deficiency can result.

So 'completely safe' is relative................

[billwh]

Thanks for the answer. Regarding the "change in gall bladder function", I just had mine removed last week, so I guess I don't have to worry about THAT any more! I went to see gastro doc yesterday who told me that the small amount of Barrett's esophagus I have is "nothing to worry about". When I asked him if I would be rechecked with an endoscopy again in the future, he said yes, in a couple of years, but sooner if I had any problems.

Best of health to you and every person reading this!

[billwh]

I just had this thought and would like to pose this question to you : Prilosec is considered a PPI drug isn't it? Do you happen to know if other drugs in this class carry the same risks as Prilosec does?

[11jen11]

hi there I have a question I am on prilosec to treat an ulcer and I have been having horrible back pain and chest pain since taking it . have you experienced anything like this ?

[gnorb]

Prilosec is a PPI, just like Nexium, Aciphex, Prevacid, etc. The side effects CalGal mentioned are common to all PPIs. Individually, due to their composition, each carries other side effects which may or may not be shared by others in the class.