Is anyone experiencing increased GERDS/Acid Reflux?

Posted by rhondat23 @rhondat23, Sep 14, 2023

For many years I have been on generic Prilosec and after trying Fosamax I had to start taking Famotidine as well for severe Acid Reflux. I have had both upper/lower scope and everything checks out fine. I started Evenity in June and now I am experiencing severe acid reflux even while taking Prilosec and Famotidine. Has anyone else experienced an increase in acid reflux while taking Evenity?

Next week I have an appointment with a Nutritionist and am hoping they can help.

I know both of these acid reflux medications can contribute to osteoporosis. However, I have tried stopping but my acid reflux is too bad. I have tried ginger tea, not eating (chocolate, onions, garlic and tomatoes) but none of this seems to help. Prior to starting Evenity I had my acid reflux well controlled. I don't believe acid reflux is a listed side effect, so I am reaching out to see if anyone in our support group is experiencing the same issue and has figured out a way to alleviate the discomfort. Thanks for your support!!!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Osteoporosis & Bone Health Support Group.

Profile picture for maradeur @maradeur

I'm on tymlos for about 8 months and have been diagnosed with "silent reflux" . The symptoms are as you described: post-nasal drip, pgelm, constant throat-clearing, light cough. Few actual symptoms of what i thought of as acid reflux! but the Dr suggested cutting back on acidic foods (my biggie was cold seltzer) and Prilosec and Flonase.

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@maradeur I am on tymlos too, and am experiencing exactly what you are and have been for months. As well as the acid reflux discomfort. Be so glad to finish this drug!

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Around 5th shot my acid reflux returned along with weight gain and blood pressure increase. Had to increase blood pressure meds and start taking meds for acid reflux. My doctor doesn’t think Evenity was the cause but after being on this blog I would disagree. One more shot to go and hope things return to normality.

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Profile picture for kdell @kdell

I have been able to control my acid reflux by eating a few almonds when it starts. Not sure why it works but it reduces the acid almost immediately. I usually have about 6-10 depending on how bad it is.

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@kdell After reading your comment, I tried it and it worked right away for me, too. Thank you.

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Same here. Had GERD for years that was well controlled with Famotidine and Protonix. When I received my osteoporosis diagnosis last spring, I discontinued the Protonix when I learned that it was linked to fractures and osteoporosis. Started Evenity last August and had 4 injections but had to stop after 4th injection due to severe allergic site reactions. Opted to switch to Evista until I could decide whether to go on Tymlos or Forteo due to a lot of upcoming travel. GERD returned in full force over 2 weeks ago and doctors put me back on Famotidine and Protonix temporarily. Read that Evista can cause GI symptoms in 10% of cases, including GERD and Barrett's esophagus. Meeting with rheumatologist at end of month and plan to switch to Tymlos or Forteo in June. I understand that there is a new PPI that is not linked to fractures but my Part D does not carry it at all in its formulary, but worth investigating. Very tired of the "beige" diet. Very frustrating!

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Profile picture for ngk1 @ngk1

Same here. Had GERD for years that was well controlled with Famotidine and Protonix. When I received my osteoporosis diagnosis last spring, I discontinued the Protonix when I learned that it was linked to fractures and osteoporosis. Started Evenity last August and had 4 injections but had to stop after 4th injection due to severe allergic site reactions. Opted to switch to Evista until I could decide whether to go on Tymlos or Forteo due to a lot of upcoming travel. GERD returned in full force over 2 weeks ago and doctors put me back on Famotidine and Protonix temporarily. Read that Evista can cause GI symptoms in 10% of cases, including GERD and Barrett's esophagus. Meeting with rheumatologist at end of month and plan to switch to Tymlos or Forteo in June. I understand that there is a new PPI that is not linked to fractures but my Part D does not carry it at all in its formulary, but worth investigating. Very tired of the "beige" diet. Very frustrating!

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@ngk1

Sounds like you have a good treatment plan. Can you post the name of that ppi that does not negatively effect bones?
Thanks

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Profile picture for gravity3 @gravity3

@ngk1

Sounds like you have a good treatment plan. Can you post the name of that ppi that does not negatively effect bones?
Thanks

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@gravity3 Voquezna (vonoprazan) sorry not a PPI but a PCAB (new class)

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Wow, after reading through these posts I realize that I am definitely not alone in being unable to tolerate some of the drugs for osteoporosis. When I was first diagnosed with osteopenia I tried Fosomax but soon stopped taking it because of bad heartburn. Fast forward quite a few years and the diagnosis changed to osteoporosis with my femoral heads being the worst area. Not wanting to risk a hip fracture I tried Fosomax again because I would only have to take it once a week this time. The side effects did not stop at heartburn this time, after only a couple of months I had severe nausea and vomiting too. Needless to say, I stopped taking it once again. Now I don't know what to do, my endo gave me a list of drugs to think about but they all have concerning side effects. I also have cardiac and kidney problems which further limits my choices. I joined this forum to see how everyone else is doing but wow, it is not encouraging. I have until June to pick a drug but I am nowhere close. There is so much to read and learn it is overwhelming especially with multiple other health issues besides what I have already mentioned. Right now I have to give it all a rest because I am scheduled for lumbar spine surgery on the 30th of this month. I will keep reading all your posts in the hopes of coming closer to a decision. Thanks, everyone.

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