Re: protonix

[Guest guest]

Before y'all start throwing out your meds due to this caution about

Protonix, let me reiterate. If you aren't taking an enteric coated

pancreatic enzyme, (like Lipram, Ultrase or Pancrelipase) you DO need

to have some form of antiacid in your system before you take your

enzymes. Many of us that have been prescribed Protonix or other

antiacids have been prescribed them for this reason, not for GERD or

some other supposed reflux issues. Without an antiacid, or proton

pump inhibitor, (Protonix is one), non-enteric coated enzymes can

begin to activate in the esphogus or stomach and are capable of

eating out the stomach lining or causing worse damage than

pancreatitis alone could.

If you aren't aware of why you're taking Protonix, then you should

be. Ask your doctor why it's been prescribed. When you discuss this

with your physician, and have valid reasons to refuse use of the

medicine, such as the uncommon cases of idiopathic pancreatitis that

it's caused, you need to tell your physician this. He or she may need

to be educated about the risks. Then, the solution is to ask for a

safe subsitute, or a prescription for an enteric coated enzyme,

instead. If they can't give you a valid reason why you should be

taking this, or any medication contraindicated for pancreatitis, then

it's most likely something you don't need!

And, as Sandy noted earlier, each person's reaction to medications

varies very greatly. What is toxic for one, can be the perfect

solution for another. Some people can take contraindicated

medications and have no problems with them at all. That's why it's

important for us to notify our doctors if we have any unusual or

severe reaction to any new medication that's introduced. Some people

have allergies or sensitive systems that can't tolerate many

medications, while others can swallow arsenic laced asbestos and come

out with a clear bill of health.....everybody's different.

Sadly, I think that doctors often forget this, so they prescribe the

same thing for all, thinking that if it worked so well for Bill, then

it has to work just as well for Jill. We all know this isn't the

case, so it's up to us to do our own research, consider the risks

involved, and then make our own choices when it comes to starting any

new medication.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC and SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or

opinion, and should not be substituted for professional medical

consultation.