Reflux and cholesterol

[vmartino26]

Has anyone taking cholesterol medication having difficult with reflux? I was put on Pravachol several years ago and developed a relfux problem maybe two years ago. After visits to my primary care and a follow-up look down my throat with some instruments, it was decided that my reflux was due to my using cholesterol medication. Anybody else have that happen?

[SusanG50]

I do not take anything for cholesterol but Fish Oil, but I do have a lot of GI, GERD, problems. PLAIN OLE CALCIUM is the best thing I ever found for it. Also take Magnesium, but it can cause cramps. Also Vit. is suggest with Calcium

All the stuff you buy for acid is nothing but calcium. So much cheaper and works so much better to just take the calcium.

I hope this helps you in some way.

Blessings..........

[flowergirl2day]

martino,

I too believe I got my reflux as a result of taking prescription medications. I also take a cholesterol drug, Lipitor. I had never had any problems with acid or other stomach or throat issues prior to starting my drug therapy. It would be difficult to pin down the medication responsible for this, because another one of my meds has reflux listed as a possible side effect.

[Jancie52]

After reading your post, I had to stop and think when i was put on Pravachol that is when I started having problems. Lump in throat, then i had Dr. change them and i got alot of heartburn and pain across my chest. He wanted to run tests to rule out heart first and it was fine then he stated the upper GI and went to gastro Dr who ordered all the other tests. I had a scope done ( edg} Jan 16 and have sick since. It has been full blown. The test showed i have gastritis and esophophitis I was also sent to a ent because of the lump in throat and feeling so much flem in throat i felt like i was choking. I have been having a awful time feel like I am choking all the time, Big lump in throat, ear hurts, Can't eat anything but alot of chicken broth and yogurt. Anyway the good news is today is the best day I have had. I am almost afraid to say that afraid it will jinx me lol . My throat does not have the lump today. I pray it will stay that way!!!!Now I am going to try to eat some real food today....

[flowergirl2day]

Jancie,

you have just described me. I went from zero reflux/stomach/throat problems before the meds to a full-blown everything. That tells me that one or more of the drugs could be responsible for this misery. Many drugs have GI side effects, which are (conveniently) not specified on the drug info sheets supplied by the pharmacies. Any mentions about gastric side effects are vague. I had to dig deep until I found it spelled out in one of my drug books. (the fact that one of my blood pressure medications causes GERD in some people) Wouldn't it be ironic if our GERD and LPR turned out to be nothing but adverse effects of our medications? Trying to help/cure one problem while creating a couple of others.... Way to go!
Just a thought: is it possible that these conditions (if caused by our meds, as we suspect) are reversible with discontinuing the medication? (Not that stopping my meds is ever likely to be an option for me.....) Or are they permanent - once the damage is done, it's here to stay?

FG