Stomach acid meds with prednisolone

Unfortunately, stomach upset (sometimes severe) is common when taking prednisone. When I was first diagnosed with PMR and the stomach issues started, my rheumatologist recommended a 'dose' of Omeprazole. A 'dose' is supposed to be for two weeks only. However, many people need to take it almost forever when on prednisone - depending on your taper success. So my doc recommended continuous use of Omeprazole. Then, although continuing with the Omeprazole, I had significant issues, so was told to just use 'over the counter' antacids. I did this and then, on my next blood tests, my calcium levels were off the chart! Not surprising, since most of the daily use OTC products are calcium based! No one warned me about this. Doc then recommended I also use Pepcid AC when the acid was bad. AND to add something like Pepto Bismol chews when really, really bad! So three drugs to counteract the side-effect of the prednisone.

Of course you should always have something to eat when you take your prednisone. That helps. Problem is that you need to take the pred early AM to help with the sleep disturbances it causes! For me the best thing is a small amount of Greek or Australian yogurt with a little bit of fruit and possibly some nuts. Hope this helps!

Here in the UK it is standard practice to be prescribed a PPI - usually Omeprazole - alongside steroids such as Prednisone. Quite normal. 😃.

@boomermeg This is me again. I forgot to mention that I found out drinking coffee at or near same time as Prednisone can make stomach acid/issues worse. It's suggested to wait 1 hour in between taking it and drinking coffee.
Since I started eating yogurt and drinking Keifer as above, and I separate my coffee by at least 1/2 hr and the very first thing in the AM is to drink a big glass of water and take Prednisone with plenty of water too.
Hope this might help anyone. It's made a big difference for me and I have GERD. No meds.
Blessings.

Yes! When my PCP initially diagnosed me with PMR and prescribed Prednisone (40mg/day) he told me that he was also prescribing me Omeprazole 20mg/day to protect my stomach lining. I mentioned to him that he had prescribed me Famitidine 20 mg/as needed, an H2-blocker (which I had stopped because I changed my diet and didn’t need it) but he said Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor was better with Prednisone. I took his word for it and it has proved good for me.

On Omeprazole, I have never experienced any stomach issue. My rheumatologist told me to wait at least 20 minutes, after taking Omeprazole, before taking the Prednisine (so that it can have enough time protect my stomach.)

I’ve programmed daily repeating alarms on my phone to remind me when to take meds and when to eat food. It helps.

On my own, I have research taking Omeprazole daily for a year or more, and talked with him about it at my last appointment. I want to stop it when I stop Prednisone in a bout two weeks from now and he agreed with my plan.

It sounds like your doctor is taking care of you and thinking about your future. Six months from now, talk with him/her again about your medication updates and review everything including Prednisone mg/day and Omeprazole.