PLEASE HELP, WORRIED!!--important question about UC symptoms and GERD medication

Hi all,

I was worried about going on Prevacid, that it might cause a UC flare. (There is a study showing PPI acid reducers often do.) I am also taking Zantac at night. Unfortunately, the reflux is bad and I think if I can stay on them a little bit, it would be good to take these medications.

After about 2-3 weeks I feel like the Prevacid may finally be working. But I have also started having really bad diarrhea and cramping, for nearly a week now.

I know there are various options with PPIs. Has anyone used one that did NOT cause trouble for UC?

Many, many thanks for any help!

ilf

FWIW, I was able to take a PPI years ago while recovering from a flare and it didn't seem to have any adverse effects while I was tapering off pred and trying to stay in remission. Everybody is different though of course.
Now I take a combination of Zantac and calcium and that works for me. I also avoid trigger foods like soda and tomatoes and I don't eat late or snack in the evening before going to bed.

Yes, Asacol and Rowasa. I do worry a little about the acid reducers interacting with the Asacol, as in some cases online it suggests it can. (I know it doesn't release till colon.)

Good to hear some reassuring responses, though Zantac and Pepcid are not PPIs, but H2 blockers-- in the study that showed the UC problems with PPIs, they said there were no problems with H2 blockers. Unfortunately I at present need the stronger heartburn drugs.

I don't know if I can see the connection with PPI's and UC. If you're in the hospital with UC and SEVERELY medicated, they'll always toss in a PPI (Like Protonix) to ensure that all of the medication you're consuming isn't digestively destroying you or making matters worse...