Medication Side Effects -- heartburn

jrg123

I have a friend with brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme) who is taking keppra for seizures and it gives her a terrible burn. This has become much worse since she started avastin and another drug which impact the mucosal tissue. The steroid she takes to reduce swelling also causes heartburn. Rice and rice cakes help, but they are constipating. Does anyone have any suggestions for what could provide relief from this symptom? Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

jrg123

pamness

maybe this is too obvious or your friend can't take the medication, but have they tried tums, pepcid (extra strength) or pepcid ac, which works within a few minutes. I have chronic heartburn (and had colon cancer) and find that taking prilosec once a day helps and pepcid ac when it gets really bad. Also don't lie down within 2 hours of eating, raise the head of your bed, avoid high fat food, pepper, peppermint and caffiene (not usually issues when you aren't feeling well). Have they talked to their primary care or oncologist?

jrg123

pamness said:

maybe this is too obvious or your friend can't take the medication, but have they tried tums, pepcid (extra strength) or pepcid ac, which works within a few minutes. I have chronic heartburn (and had colon cancer) and find that taking prilosec once a day helps and pepcid ac when it gets really bad. Also don't lie down within 2 hours of eating, raise the head of your bed, avoid high fat food, pepper, peppermint and caffiene (not usually issues when you aren't feeling well). Have they talked to their primary care or oncologist?

Thanks very much for your reply. She is not allowed to take the usual antacids (tums, pepcid, etc.) and has learned to avoid caffeine and peppermint, but I'll mention the pepper and high fat foods. Sitting up in bed at night is usually necessary to be comfortable enough to sleep. We'll check with the oncologist again. Thanks again for your reply.

yag41chi

jrg123 said:

Thanks very much for your reply. She is not allowed to take the usual antacids (tums, pepcid, etc.) and has learned to avoid caffeine and peppermint, but I'll mention the pepper and high fat foods. Sitting up in bed at night is usually necessary to be comfortable enough to sleep. We'll check with the oncologist again. Thanks again for your reply.

Hello,
Can I suggest baking soda and water. I use this instead of prescription meds and it does help. Its old fashioned but it works.

shaheena

She shold take more salad & fresh fruits and that will reduce her heart burn as well as her costipation. Shaheena