Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

If you're taking PPIs, watch your magnesium levels

Just saw this news release from the FDA, and it may affect Lyme patients doubly, since to my understanding Lyme depletes magnesium, and so if you're taking PPIs (proton-pump inhibitors) also, your magnesium levels may be affected more strongly.  Something to check with your doc about if you're concerned.

"Wednesday March 02, 2011

"FDA Warns GERD [= gastro-esophageal reflux disease] Drugs Deplete Magnesium

"The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of low magnesium levels associated with long-term use of prescription proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Full story to follow."
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Egad!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I read about those PPI's today. I was taking them for over 20yrs without my doctor telling me that PPI's STOPS CALCIUM ABSORBTION. I have osteoporosis due to really low Vit.D (8.5). I stopped taking them and just pop them when I need it. My doctor checked my magnesium and it came out fine. My LLMD has me taking magnesium twice daily. On a visit to my LLMD I was given an IV drip for 45min of magnesium and the B Vitamins. My LLMD is up on that. My other doctors are SO not up on Lymes! They think they are but they are really not!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hmm, I don't know ... my thought was that a lot of people (Lyme or not) take PPIs, and the general approach from the pharma/med is that they are no problem.

I have read that some Lyme patients are especially affected in the digestive system, and so it occurred to me that there may be people reading here who are in that group.  

When I was first given thyroid meds, I took them as directed on an empty stomach, and I couldn't tolerate the side effects like heartburn etc.  So I quit taking them.  My doc didn't even suggest I try anything else, perhaps because on an empty stomach is the only 'correct' way.  Well, I thought about it and started taking the thyroid meds with food, and they work fine ... maybe the effectiveness is reduced, but hey.

I don't recommend that anyone mess with the way their meds are supposed to be taken, without checking with the doc and/or the pharmacist.  So I don't know the right thing to do ...  and it's best to check w/ a doc.

I do find it interesting that PPIs chew up magnesium, which Lyme does too.  If it ain't one thing, ... it's another.
Helpful - 0
1094370 tn?1317134825
Jackie. Do a lot if Lyme patients take ppi's because of all the drugs?  My llmd gave me one and I forgot to take it yesterday and had heartburn both last night and now this morning.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Lyme Disease Community

Top Infectious Diseases Answerers
1415174 tn?1453243103
CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Can HIV be transmitted through this sexual activity? Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia answers this commonly-asked question.
A breakthrough study discovers how to reduce risk of HIV transmission by 95 percent.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia provides insight to the most commonly asked question about the transfer of HIV between partners.
Before your drop a dime at the pharmacy, find out if these popular cold and flu home remedies are a wonder or a waste
Fend off colds and the flu with these disease-fighting foods