Omeprazole and a possible stress fracture

brightlinda

Happy new year to everyone. Possibly not the best of starts for me I am currently waiting to see my Gp regarding severe pain in my shin. I don't think it is linked to my arthritis as I know from my 33 years with arthritis it is not that kind of pain. My biggest concern is that it may be a stress fracture. 5 years ago my rheumy started me on Omeprazole to protect my stomach from the Naproxen I also take; Omeprazole has been linked with bone thinning so naturally I am a little concerned. Prior to being prescribed Omeprazole I had never had stomach problems despite taking indomethacin for 20 years. Naturally if I stopped taking Omeprazole I would then have to suffer the dire affects of rampant reflux. Can anyone relate to my experience any feedback would be gratefully received.

barbara12

Hello and I hope that 2013 will be a much better one for you..
I take Omeprazole, but I didnt know it was linked to bone thinning, that all we need,but like you say its either that or get ulcers...its a no win... I do hope your shin pain isn't related .. I would be very interested to know x

stickywicket

I've been taking omep and, prior to that, lansop for years and years. I don't think I have any bone thinning problems despite now being on 2 omep daily. I try to ensure plenty of calcium in my diet and as much exercise as I can. I've just checked out the NHS guidelines and was surprised at one or two things. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/strongbones.aspx

rockchick

These drugs, like many others I suppose, weren't really designed for long term use. Our bodies produce acid for a reason, so suppressing it long term can lead to it's own problems anyway. But I'm guessing for every article you read about Omeprazole and bone thinning, there will be an equally convincing counter argument. Even if your leg pain was the result of a stress fracture, it's more likely to be because of other factors. If you've had an inflammatory arthritis for a long time, then you're at greater risk of bone thinning. Your age could be a factor, your diet, exercise levels, vitamin deficiencies. Have you ever taken steroids? A whole host of things.

I hope your leg pain is nothing serious. With most medicines, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. Try not to worry too much, but explain your fears to your doctor, hopefully he will be able to put your mind at rest. Have you had a bone density scan? If not, ask your doctor to arrange one for you.

tillytop

Hello Linda

I think I can identify with your shin pain because I have a shin stress fracture (which is now healing nicely). Like you, I knew for sure that the shin pain was not arthritis pain (though the doc took some convincing :roll:). I have taken Lanzoprazole at high-ish doses for many years and, although I have not heard of a direct link between proton pump inhibitors such as Lanzoprazole/omeprazole and bone thinning, I am aware of research showing that these drugs have the potential to affect the absorbtion of calcium, which could potentially have a negative effect on bone density. I already have osteoporosis and, when the stress fracture occurred, I was concerned about the Lanzoprazole potentially making things worse. Maybe you will be reassured to know that the osteoporosis specialist consultant didn't seem particularly concerned about it when I asked him - despite my osteoporosis and this being my 3rd stress fracture in the past 2 years. He even told me that my shin stress fracture wasn't osteoporosis related which didn't make sense to me - but hey, what do I know?

I don't know what sort of arthritis you have - I'm guessing it's inflammatory? If so, and if your shin pain does turn out to be a stress fracture, I too think that it would be worth asking if you can have a bone density scan, given that RA and RA meds are known to increase the risk of osteoporosis. You may find that the rheumatologist is the best person to ask about the bone density scan though, because I think GPs are often reluctant - maybe because of the cost and the NICE guidelines, which I think are very specific about who "qualifies" for a scan.

As for the potential shin stress fracture - you may know this already but shin stress fractures don't always show on x-ray until they start to heal (apparently new bone looks different on an x-ray). Mine didn't show on x-ray so I was sent for an MRI scan. So if your GP arranges an x-ray and it comes back normal, you may have to push for further tests if the pain is still there. Treatment for me was an air-cast boot for a few months. My fracture has been very slow to heal - I have had it for nearly 8 months now but it is definitely getting better and it is now just occasional "niggling" hurts rather than proper pain.

Sorry, I fear I am rambling :roll: but really hope some of this is helpful.

Tilly xxx

hileena111

Hi
I cant say I've heard of it linked to bone thinning......I have osteopinia but that was diagnosed before starting it {I take naproxen} Recently I've been taking lansoprozol.....not quite sure why she changed it.
Havent checked.....would that cause bone thinning as well do you know?
As I say I was diagnosed with osteopinia before starting these
Love
Hileena

elnafinn

Hi Brightlinda

That is SO interesting. Thank you for opening my eyes to that fact.
Information is power for the patient. According to this article it is ok to take for about one year for the over 50's ..........

http://www.livestrong.com/article/401355-omeprazole-side-effects-calcium-depletion/

I do not need to take a stomach protector with the anti inflams I am on but the ones I take can cause cardiovascular problems if taken for a number of years which I have been doing...... What does one do????? It seems there are risks/side effects to taking any drug for a long time.

Elna x

elnafinn

Yep, similar information given if taking lansoprazole:

http://www.drugs.com/lansoprazole.html

"Taking a proton pump inhibitor such as lansoprazole may increase your risk of bone fracture in the hip, wrist, or spine. This effect has occurred mostly in people who have taken the medication long term or at high doses, and in those who are age 50 and older. It is not clear whether lansoprazole is the actual cause of an increased risk of fracture. Before you take lansoprazole , tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mineral density)."

Elna x

hileena111

Hi Elna
Thanks for that...I will mention it the next time I'm there but she knows I have osteopinia!!!!
She moved me to Naproxen because it was LESS likely to cause cardiovascular probs
Love
Hileena