Question 1

ive got barretts. is famotidine safer than ppis long term?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Famotidine is generally safer than ppi's long term, but make sure that your symptoms are controlled on it. If yes then you can take that but check with your gastroenterologist who diagnosed you with barrett's as it can depend on the severity. Also continue with a healthy lifestyle, minimize irritant foods, exercise regularly and stay hydrated.

Question 2

are h2 blockers like pepcid (famotidine) everyday less bad for you than ppis? i eat that bland diet still get reflux been that way for years i have take something

Accepted Answer

PPI vs H2 block: Long standing reflux can be pre malignant and requires formal
evaluation ;management must include hygienic intervention such as avoidance of late food ;caffeine etc as well as medicines under physician supervision

Question 3

i have nab & take pantoprozole 40mg @ 4:00pm and famotidine 40mg @ 10pm. is this a good schedule? or is it too close? does ppis cause bloating/gas?

Accepted Answer

Too much: Change your diet.  Change your lifestyle.  And take extra vitamin b12.  High acid is usually a symptom of a poor diet or lifestyle.

Question 4

i have barretts and been prescribed famotidine 20mg. i dont want ppis nor does my gp. famotidine is out of stock. i found the ones below on ebay shipped from the us. are they safe?
kirkland signature acid controller 20mg famotidine tablets.

Accepted Answer

Acid reducer : Over the counter medications sold by Costco should be regulated and checked for safety according to US government regulations. To be sure you can contact Costco.

Question 5

do recent studies show that famotidine can cause dementia or is it just ppis? i have barretts 3-4cm in length. gp is hovering between the two and i know that ultimately its up to me?

Accepted Answer

: Time to clarify.  PPI's do NOT cause dementia, as meta-analyses have shown this NOT to be the case, and prior studies were severely flawed.  But cognitive side effects can occur due to anti-cholinergic effects; yet, this is reversible when meds are stopped.

Question 6

i was on ppi for gerd and recently diagnosed with austiopenia? is famotidine is better choice for me or should i continue ppi? is famotidine safe?

Accepted Answer

Mostly yes...: Head to head - ppi has a more profound effect on your gastric ph and prolonged and/ or higher doses are associated with poor bone health and other issues.  Long term acid suppression should be avoided if possible.  Dietary and behavior changes can improve gerd for most with medication used for break thru sx.  Bottom line - you need to discuss your situation with a doc to be safe.

Question 7

which is safer for the liver for someone who has nafld, a ppi (esomeprazole 40mg once a day) or an h2 blocker(famotidine 20mg 2 times a day)?

Accepted Answer

NAFLD: PPI's such as esomeprazole have been shown to possibly promote liver disease, but famotidine is considered safe as far as liver toxicity is concerned. As an aside, I'm a believer in complete abstinence from alcohol when NAFLD is present. Your hepatologist or gastroenterologist can advise you best,however.

Question 8

i'm about to start lexapro, but have awful reflux and sometimes take famotidine. i've read arrhythmia can occur with this combo. is there a safe ppi or reflux med i can use with lexapro without having to worry?

Accepted Answer

: You're correct in stating that there are warnings of dangerous arrhythmias when taking famotidine &amp; lexapro although it would very rarely occur. All SSRIs will have this interaction warning unfortunately. To avoid this arrhythmia warning take an antacid like carafate

Question 9

is famotidine 40mg twice a day ie 80 total safe long term and more effective than 20 twice a day.i cant take a ppi due to horrendous side effects and 20mg twice a day isnt effective for reflux. my gp will prescribe it but i wanted to double check?

Accepted Answer

: Yes, that dose has been prescribed for patients with severe GERD and reflux esophagitis provided your kidney function is not impaired. Good luck.

Question 10

i have acid reflux and gastritis, taking pepcid (famotidine) when i need it cause ppi's aren't working. but i still have heartburn, missed period,acne, help?

Accepted Answer

Sorry you feel bad: You need to have a visit with your doc. There are too many concerns (which may or may not be related) to answer in the space provide. Many more details are needed in order to provide meaningful suggestions for you. Schedule a visit with your primary care doc, they will be able to get the necessary details and provide you with a treatment plan or a referral to a specialist if deemed necessary.

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Doctor answers about:

Famotidine vs ppi

A member asked:

Ive got barretts. is famotidine safer than ppis long term?

A member asked:

Are h2 blockers like pepcid (famotidine) everyday less bad for you than ppis? i eat that bland diet still get reflux been that way for years i have take something

A member asked:

I have nab & take pantoprozole 40mg @ 4:00pm and famotidine 40mg @ 10pm. is this a good schedule? or is it too close? does ppis cause bloating/gas?

A member asked:

I have barretts and been prescribed famotidine 20mg. i dont want ppis nor does my gp. famotidine is out of stock. i found the ones below on ebay shipped from the us. are they safe? kirkland signature acid controller 20mg famotidine tablets.

A member asked:

Do recent studies show that famotidine can cause dementia or is it just ppis? i have barretts 3-4cm in length. gp is hovering between the two and i know that ultimately its up to me?

A member asked:

I was on ppi for gerd and recently diagnosed with austiopenia? is famotidine is better choice for me or should i continue ppi? is famotidine safe?

A member asked:

Which is safer for the liver for someone who has nafld, a ppi (esomeprazole 40mg once a day) or an h2 blocker(famotidine 20mg 2 times a day)?

A member asked:

I'm about to start lexapro, but have awful reflux and sometimes take famotidine. i've read arrhythmia can occur with this combo. is there a safe ppi or reflux med i can use with lexapro without having to worry?

A member asked:

Is famotidine 40mg twice a day ie 80 total safe long term and more effective than 20 twice a day.i cant take a ppi due to horrendous side effects and 20mg twice a day isnt effective for reflux. my gp will prescribe it but i wanted to double check?

A member asked:

I have acid reflux and gastritis, taking pepcid (famotidine) when i need it cause ppi's aren't working. but i still have heartburn, missed period,acne, help?

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