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Barrett's esophagus to Esophageal cancer
Esophageal Cancer | Last Active: Sep 24, 2023 | Replies (43)Comment receiving replies
I was diagnosed with Barret's Esophagus about two years ago but a subsequent endoscopy showed that the condition improved, thank God. I take Omeprazole every day. Anyone know if taking 20 mg of Omeprazole (Prilosec) can be harmful when taken daily for years? I remember I had good results with Nexium. Anyone opinions on Omeprazole vs. Nexium for Barrett's / GERD and any harm taking it daily for years? Thanks!
Replies to "I was diagnosed with Barret's Esophagus about two years ago but a subsequent endoscopy showed that..."
Long term use of PPIs will cause a vit B12 deficiency either as low serum values or low binding capacity. The body's B12 stores can be depleted after appx 2-3 yrs. These meds raise the pH of the stomach by preventing acid production which is why heartburn usually subsides and the gut takes over digestion. All proton pump inhibitors do this. You will need to take high dose B12 supplements.
In a normal low pH environment the parietal cell in the stomach produce intrinsic factor which binds to protein bound B12 allowing it to be absorbed in the gut.
B12 is important for many things in the body especially neurological function. It's best if possible to stop the root cause of reflux.
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I have taken omperazole 20 mg once a day for ten years from 2008 to 2018. Then when I went to low dysplasia, I was upped to 40 mg twice a day. I was concerned but was told that because I had BE, I must take it. So, what can I do. So far, I don’t seem to have further issues from the medicine. I now have switched to protonix 40 mg twice a day. I can’t tell a difference in the medicine. It seems to work.