The PPI Protonix has created stomach polyps and I have been on it for 10 years with no pain. Then I developed pain in my esophagus and back 6 weeks ago and had an endoscopy that showed irratation and polyps. I have been on carafate for 2 weeks which has eased my pain. I want to quit the the PPI ASAP.
Can you just stop taking Protonix?
Question posted by Drama queen on 29 Dec 2012
Last updated on 7 September 2019 by aleenstone
Yes, the Doctor a gastrointelogist who did my endoscopy said I have the type of stomach polyps that are caused by taking PPIS for many years.
That side effect I was not aware of. I knew about bone fractures and loss of vitamin B12 absorption. I'm aware that my gerd can return if I stop the Protonix, so should I wean myself off it and how?
My Doctor did not remove my stomach polyps as he said to my husband it wasn't nesessary with this type of polyp and would only cause bleeding. Of course I wasn't awake to discuss the pros and cons with him. l will ask as I have since learned it depends on the size of polyps and other factors.
I'm wondering if the person with the last answer had the esophageal polyps removed and why. I'm still asking if weaning myself instead of stopping the Protonix cold would stop the rebound effect. I'm planning to stay on my reflux diet and keep losing weight. I've been sleeping propped up on my back for 10 years and I don't smoke or drink. Not even coffee or soda.
Stress and anxiety are my biggest hurdle.
9 Answers
I will be 84 in November. 2019 In 200, I was diagnosed with Barretts esophagus. I took Aciphex for 15 years and I developed osteoporosis, kidney disease and peripheral neuropathy. I found that long term use of PPIs can cause these problems. My gastroenterologist denied it but switched me to Protonix. It did not help. So I quit "cold turkey” eight months ago and have had not symptoms of acid reflux since. I take alpha lipoic acid for the peripheral neuoropathy which is almost gone.
OMG I have been taking for 2 years and never knew the side effects. I have been suffering from joint aches and pains, fatigue, and developing osteopenia. My orthopedic dr told me recently to take Ampicillen before dental work since I had a knee replacement. I just saw my gastro and she told me I could stop. Thats it, no details or wind down. So glad I found this info. Going to go natural!
I am weaning off of Protonix also. I'm using a natural remedy for heartburn. A tsp baking soda in a glass of water a hour before bedtime neutralizes acid. Working so far. I have reduced from 40mg to 20mg and will start it every other day soon and go from there. Aloe Vera juice is also a good acid reducer and tastes good. I used that sometimes, too.
Hi ,I am on protonix also and I ask my gastro if I could ween of from 40 mg to 20 mg she said yes ,try an alternate them 20 one day 40 the next for a week .I did that and went straight to 20 mg of protonix and a week later I started having heart palpitations in the middle of the night I rush myself to doctors was not sure what was going on, they tested my heart EKG,HOLTER MONITOR and nothing everything seem fine with my heart ,I am still experiencing heart palps and muscle pain that I didnot have before trying to ween off.I went online with my symptoms and found many people are experiencing the same. After reading alot of the responses the finally outcome is don't take your self off cold turkey,try and get low dose from your doctor 20 mg and gradually over a month or so try and get yourself down to 20mg .I would stay on that dose for awhile and then ween off the same way with a zantac 150 mg and then stay off everything .
I also have been getting palpitations from the pantoprazole only on 20mgs for the last 10 months want to ween off the meds nhow could I do it without the pal getting worse.
Drug manufacturers cant not be sued for selling bad drugs anymore. Your doctor owes you money for not telling you that that would happen. The pharmacy also owes you money for not telling you about that side effect. They both also owe you to have them removed by someone else, pain and suffering, loss of wages if any and other angles if applicable. Drug manufacturers rarely do the right thing and recall a drug and pay people for their mistake. Again, it is all a lack of knowledge and inaccurate studies. Doctors now a says are to afraid to tell you your fat and need to work out. Reality is most of you here know you should and don't. But a doctor of all people shouldn't be afraid to say that. Instead you are prescribed a drug with way more negative aide effects than positive. Like most drugs misprescribed when not absolutely needed people will develop more health problems in exchange for money. The ever growing industry creates something that works and then creates something else that doesn't work. How stupid is that?
I think you will find that the heart palms are actually connected to a return of gerd and irritation of the vagus nerve rather than the ppi withdrawal. Been there.
I also am trying to get off PPI's because of the fracture risk, & because it precipitates C. Difficile which my husband & I have been fighting for over 6 months. I just read that just recently. My doctor says to try to skip one day, & instead use maalox or something similar, then take it the second day. Skip it again & take maalox for 2 days & take one the third day etc... I'm not having much luck with that plan, but it may help you. I get GERD so bad I get erosions . I may never get off of omeprazole completely. I tried just stopping for a week, & had heartburn 24/7. I sleep with the head of the bed raised 8 inches, but that didnt seem to help either except for a hiatal hernia. Good luck to you. It's worth a try. What works for one may not for another you know, but still worth a try to get off of them... Mary
My tiny erosions and hernia have me getting I fusions 8 out of 12 months a year.
I puree food as often as is possible and still have trouble digesting.
My food just sits in my esophagus 10 to 12 hour after earting. I feel like im getting to much d my foods not digesting
I get chest tightness and short of breath when I walk and they tell me its from my low hemaglben and iron from bleeding from one tiny erosion.
I totally understand your apprehension about taking more PPI's, but realize that you can subject yourself to Barrett's esophagitis, which can be deadly. I understand that if you start taking a pancreatic supplement 1/2 hour before meals, that can help the GERD, but it takes a few months to start working. I myself, am trying to get off of PPI's, because of all the side effects. I have to say that since I started the supplements, indigestion has greatly improved. Best wishes to you!!
What supplement are you referring to? I need to get my mom off ppi's due to CMT
That's a new one on me--the stomach polyps. But how much of a problem are the stomach polyps compared to injury to your esophagus which the PPI helps to avoid and heal? I think I recall that the surgeon found esophageal polyps from my last endoscopy which wasn't a problem.
I seriously doubt that Protonix caused the polyps. You can stop it as laurie said. Gotta love that carafate tho.
Carafate gave me bad depression, anxiety, and confusion though.
My husband had an endoscopy 2 weeks ago. He has been on pantoprazole, for around 10 years. He had stomach polyps. The doctor said that they were from taking pantoprazole long term. So not he is on ranitidine two times a day.
yes, you can stop the Protonix (pantoprazole) from the stand point that it will not cause you withdrawal symtpoms. The symtpoms for which you were originally taking it such as acid reflux may return though. Are you certain that this medication caused the polyps?
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Further information
- Protonix uses and safety info
- Protonix prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Protonix (detailed)
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