Re: Question about the drug Protonix

[Guest guest]

,

I take protonix everyday and I am told that I will probably have to take it

everyday for the rest of my life. Protonix is a drug that controls stomach

acid and I was told that part of the reason that I am on it is because

people with pancreatitis are prone to getting stomach ulcers and by taking a

drug that reduces stomach acid you are less likely to get an ulcer.

I hope this sheds some light

-a

[Guest guest]

I was on it Chrissy, but only because I have the absolute worst

Reflux due to my polyp infested stomach. The protonix didn't work

well for me, and my case manager managed to get my insurance to

approve Prilosec 40mg which they decided a year ago that I didn't

need anymore...it worked best for me instead of Prevacid, Nexium or

Protonix. I can't even guess at the moment as to why you would need

to be on it after your surgery..but then my guesses would only be

logical guesses to my own mentality because i'm not medically

trained *L*

[Guest guest]

When I was first diagnosed with pancreatitis I was given a precription for

Protonix and Pancrease. After about 8 months of taking the Protonix I quit

it. It wasn't doing anything to help me. It was supposed to settle my

stomach acid and I didn't notice a difference. I haven't taken it since. I

am still on the Pancrease and will be for the rest of my life because of my

TP/ICT.

Darren

[Guest guest]

Chrissy,

I take 2 Protonix (80 mgs.) each day. Protonix is a proton pump

inhibitor (PPI), which reduces stomach acid. In my case, my doctor

prescribed it to aid with my Viokase 16 pancreatic enzymes, which need

an antiacid to prevent them from releasing the enzymes too early when

they're hit by stomach acid. If I didn't have an antiacid in my

system before I took the Viokase, once the tablets hit the stomach,

the stomach acid would cause them to break up and release their

enzymes too early. As you know, they need to do their magic in the

intestines, not the stomach!

Since you're on Creon, which are enteric coated and prevent the

capsules from releasing their enzymes too early, that's apparently not

a concern. It must be that your doctor feels that some additional

help is needed to reduce your stomach acid. Protonix is also used to

treat ulcers, gastroescophageal reflux (GERD), and erosive esophagitis.

Why is it that one doctor says you need them forever, and another

doesn't? Who says " forever " , and who doesn't agree? I don't see that

this medication could harm you, personally, but who am I to know? LOL!

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

Bluffton, SC

South Carolina State Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep., PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Note: All comments or advice are from personal experiences or opinion,

and should not be a substitute for consultation with a medical

professional.