Prilosec and Bone Density Loss

I am worried about staying on Prilosec for very much longer because if there is one thing for which I am not in the market, it is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis runs in my maternal line and I do not want to become the kind of middle aged woman who falls and shatters. I am also not in the market for poorly controlled acid or an ulcer. I'm two months out from surgery and my stomach is very very rumbly. I am taking ranitidine in the evenings and prilosec in the mornings to manage it.

 I'm googling up a storm, but I'd welcome some thoughts from this community. 

I've been taking Prilosec since 1998. Just a few months ago, my surgeon cut the dose in half. I hope to be off it altogether by next spring. Osteoporosis runs in the women in my family, too, but only the thin ones. There is only one thing obesity is good for -- it puts stress on the bones and makes them stronger. My doctor admitted as much when I pressed him on the matter a few years ago. I don't know for sure whether the increased bone strength will offset the effects of the Prilosec. Two weeks ago, I tripped and did a full-body splat onto the pavement while hurrying to catch the streetcar. Nothing broken -- just a scraped elbow. Don't know if that means anything or not. BTW, I'm 64 years old.

My guess is that controlling stomach acid is more of a concern at your stage than osteoporosis. This is a matter you need to discuss with your doctor. 

psychoticparrot

I was just put on 40 mg omnaprazole a couple of months ago. I quizzed my doc specifically about this. It was his opinion that there is "more drama" about thqt then is necessitated. He checked to see if I was taking my supplements for calcium, and then said it was not an issue- but the uncontrolled acid was. I now drink at least 32 ounces daily of almond milk (unsweetened, 30 cals per 8 ounces) to also shield from calcium loss. 

Get a Dexascan scan now to see with what you are working.  Have one at least annually (and preferably more frequently) while you are on Prilosec so you can see any bone density changes.

You can try Zantac, Pepcid or DGL Licorice to help with the acid reflux. 

IMO the best thing you can do to maintain and improve your bone health is exercise -- specifically weight bearing/high impact exercise. There is little evidence that calcium supplements prevent fractures, but lots of evidence about exercise preventing osteoporosis and fractures. So get out there and start jumping rope, jogging, doing jumping jacks, and lifting weights (assuming your health care provider has cleared you for this sort of activity, of course)!

http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/exercise-for-oste oporosis