After my PE, my doctor put me on Pepcid AC daily. It does not affect my INR and the coumadin, and it works for me. Best of all, it is over the counter and inexpensive in comparison. Ask your doctor about the possibilities.

I take Aciphex (acid reflux) and I'm on a prescription of for ulcerative colitis, but I've been on both meds for quite some time before the PE. My doc said I can and should continue to take both. Ask not only your doctor about alternatives, but ask your pharmacist too. I tap my pharmacist for all kinds of info, especially since so many prescriptions and over the counter meds can interfere with coumadin.

My doctor recommended Prilosec, otc or he wrote an Rx. Maybe ask him about another change, especially due to the cost!

Thank you all for your replies. I know I asked my Dr. specifically about Prilosec and he told me I couldn't take it because of the Coumadin. The pharmacist had me call my ins. co. to see if there was a drug of choice they would cover more. The one they told me about, again, my Dr. said I couldn't take due to the blood thinners. They were nice enough to give me a lot of samples, so I can do more research before I decide what to do.

I was on Protonix in the hospital because that is what they carry, but my Md told me to take Prilosec OTC at home. It costa about 20 dollars for a 4 week supply.

I was diagnosed with GERD about 12 years ago, I controlled it by diet and once in a while would use zantac, but not much, but since taking coumadin I have noticed lately my symptoms of GERD coming back, did you notice a difference since starting coumadin? Did it make things worse for you?

hey guys, I checked on a couple of those drug interaction checkers on the net. They came up with no interaction for coumadin and prilosec. I think it is a good choice because it is over the counter and not too expensive. Why did your MD say you couldn't take it with coumadin?

I have been taking prilosec, even in the hospital they gave it to me, and the doc asks to be sure I am taking it. No problems with the warafin with it.

I didn't think I had any stomach problems before I had my PE so I wasn't on any medications. Then after my PE, I had an endoscopy and found that I have GERD. The gasto doc who did the procedure said I couldn't take prilosec or any other meds like it because they increase your chances of bleeding. I should be talking to him again in the next few weeks and I will mention what you all have said. Thank you so much for the input!

Ok it is the nurse coming out in me. Prilosec, protonix, pepcid are all drugs used to treat GERD. I am wondering what your MD was talking about?

Im curious too. I take Aciphex for acid reflux and Colazal for ulcerative colitis. I took these meds before the PE, while I was in the hospital with the PE and now while on Coumadin, all with my cardiologists blessing. I wonder if it has to do with whether or not you start taking the meds prior to being on Coumadin. Starting any new drug while on Coumadin can mess things up.

Also, a quick response to Renee: I only had to take Aciphex as needed prior to the PE. Then once I was on Coumadin, my acid reflux started acting up. Fortunately, my ulcerative colitis has been under control for about 3 years and seems ok now. But, one of the side effects of Coumadin is GI issues (gas, acid, bloating, blah, blah, blah). Also, anxietyand stress facilitates GERD acting up.

It's no wonder so many of us feel like crap a lot of the time!

Rachelle

This week, for some reason, my acid reflux is really acting up. Im really bloated and my chest, back and shoulder hurt. Logic tells me that its from the gas build up, but I start having flashbacks of the PE and then a little anxiety sets in. Once the anxiety kicks in, more chest pains and of course the anxiety just aggravates the acid reflux grrrr.

ANYWAY my question to you guys with GI issues is do you ever have GERD or Acid Reflux attacks where you think you are having another PE? Today, I was starting to think, ok, maybe this isnt Acid Reflux and I should get to the ER. But I do have this sensation that if I could just belch, like REALLY belch, Id feel so much better.

This PE does a number on your head, doesnt it? Had I never had a PE, I wouldnt even be questioning whether or not this was Acid Reflux.

Thanks!

Rachelle

Thank you all so much for your replies here. I finally got my gastro doc to say it was okay to take Prilosec OTC as long as my coumadin levels are checked so as not to get too high. I told him I know people on the internet who are taking it and it's okay with their doctors! You guys are GREAT!!!