Using products in combinations
USING PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION
It is important to recognise that some patients may experience breakthrough symptoms whilst taking acid suppressants and may seek advice and support on how to manage these symptoms.
Examples of when this might occur include:
- A patient might be on a repeat prescription of an acid-suppressant that isn't necessarily still needed - as they are encouraged to stop use, their symptoms may recur
- When a GP is trying to reduce a patient's PPI usage by deprescribing
- If a patient is being tested for H. pylori and has been advised to stop using a PPI for 2 weeks before the test
- A patient who has just started to take PPIs, as the full effect will not take place for around 2-3 days
In these cases it may be appropriate to recommend taking an alginate/antacid preparation in addition to the acid suppressants to help manage any symptoms. Not all products can be used in this way so please check the packaging before making a recommendation.
Other patients who have been using antacids and have not achieved symptom control may consider an alginate-antacid combination or the use of a longer-lasting product, such as a PPI, if they get frequent symptoms.