Hi, I am new here. Wanted to tell of my long term effects of PPI's

spider1959 · 10-01-2007, 07:25 PM

Hi.I've had gerd about 15 years now and have been on Prilosec back when it was a prescription and then Protonix and now Nexium. In the last year I have noticed my tongue turning whiteish and starting to burn. My dentist noticed it and wanted to send me to a gum specialist. I have done my own research on the net and found out that PPI's can cause you to not absorb B-12 properly. This can cause a sore tongue! I had my B-12 tested and sure enough it was really low. I am now having to give myself B-12 injections. Is there anybody else out there that is having this problem. Not just B-12 but the sore tongue? I have given myself injections everyday for the last 5 days, now I have to start giving them once a week for four weeks, then once a month. Please tell me I'm not alone here..............................

Red60 · 10-01-2007, 08:46 PM

This is very good information since the drug companies and doctors claim this does not happen. I have not had the problem but I've read other post on this board from those who described simular problems with their tongue. But they where not aware it was caused by a lack of B12. I think cronic use of these meds may cause a lot of mineral, and vitamin deficiencys over time.

This is a guy educating our future doctors on the concerns associated with PPI use.
M. Brian Fennerty, MD
Professor of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
He had this responce to a question conserning B12 and cronic PPI use.
He said, there have been no reports of B12 deficiency despite 14 years of widespread use of these compounds.

I think you should have your doctor document your case and submit it to the drug company and FDA. It may be more common than what is thought but it is never reported.

CharBerry · 10-02-2007, 12:40 PM

Yeah, me too! I knew about the B12 and vitamin problem since I always show to be anemic and my Dr. has told me to take B12 every day. In fact, I go for blood panel in the morn to see if I need the shots. But, I've noticed my tongue burning and was attributing this to menopause (that's what I blame everything on) I have the LPR type GERD and wondered if acid washing up might cause the burn but I don't ever taste acid. I know that having the LPR for so long has caused me to lose my sense of smell and has altered my sense of taste as well. It's amazing what this stuff can do to you and I've had it for 10 long yrs. I am so glad to have found this board with so many people experiencing symptoms not always listed with GERD. Although, I am so sorry that so many people have this problem.

Charla

spider1959 · 10-03-2007, 05:26 PM

That is a good idea. When I called my gastro doc to tell them of the research I've been doing and the symptoms I am having with my tongue, the nurse said they have never had any patients with the tongue problem. She instantly sent in orders for my B-12 and folic acid to be tested. My folic acid was ok but again, B-12 very low. Just in the 5 injections I've given myself so far, I see a difference in the color of my tongue. I can't live without the meds but am really starting to worry about the long term effects of them.

YankeeRoseO1 · 10-04-2007, 04:42 PM

spider,
do you have any other symptoms of b12 deficiency? I have been on protonix over a year, and have been on double dose 2x a day for about 2 months. My tongue seems fine for now, but my muscles ache and I just have been feeling so weak. I also have probs swallowing from time to time, so I dont eat really well...So, Im wondering if this could be my problem too. I recently started taking b12 supplement, and folic acid, along with a regular one a day vitamin.