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Can Prilosec Be Taken For A Long Duration?

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Posted on Tue, 19 Jul 2016
Question: 7 yrs ago I had my esophagus widened and diagnosed with GIRD. The Doctor prescribed Prilosec 20 long term. I have been taking it ever since with no problems. However, I have read a lot lately on the dangers of taking this drug long term. Do you have any suggestions for me?
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Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You can keep using it off and on instead of regularly

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all, it is sad to know about the discomforts you have gone through. You are quite right that using antacids of this type can be associated with some side effects. However keeping in view, the nature of your illness, it's long term usage in your case was unavoidable. As far as side effects are concerned, let your physician decide in that regard as frequency of such side effects are rare so every individual may not be prone to develop such side effects. However consulting your primary doctor off and on and repeating blood counts six monthly may help to diagnose any early side effect relating to low platelets or hemoglobin and taking calcium supplements to avoid bone osteoporosis etc will be safer approach. Another best approach can be to give a trial of using medicines with some gaps in between during asymptomatic periods may help to lower such tendency but that all should be done after carefully discussing with your primary doctor. Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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Can Prilosec Be Taken For A Long Duration?

Brief Answer: You can keep using it off and on instead of regularly Detailed Answer: Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know about the discomforts you have gone through. You are quite right that using antacids of this type can be associated with some side effects. However keeping in view, the nature of your illness, it's long term usage in your case was unavoidable. As far as side effects are concerned, let your physician decide in that regard as frequency of such side effects are rare so every individual may not be prone to develop such side effects. However consulting your primary doctor off and on and repeating blood counts six monthly may help to diagnose any early side effect relating to low platelets or hemoglobin and taking calcium supplements to avoid bone osteoporosis etc will be safer approach. Another best approach can be to give a trial of using medicines with some gaps in between during asymptomatic periods may help to lower such tendency but that all should be done after carefully discussing with your primary doctor. Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.