Your arthritis specialist is partial right, the omeprazole, as a "proton (acid) pump inhibitor" does protect the stomach and upper intestines (duodenum) from the increased acid production caused by Motrin. However, what about the other adverse effects from long-term Motrin use?

Long-term NSAID (Motrin) use can lead to renal failure and high blood pressure. In turn, the high blood pressure makes the heart work harder which can lead to pre-mature heart failure. If I were you, I would seriously re-consider long-term NSAID use.

Have you heard of the "Anti-Inflammatory Diet"? Nutrition has a HUGE effect on the inflammation process in your body. Dr. Andrew Weil, MD wrote extensively about this diet in his book "Healthy Aging".

I mostly advise my patients to use an NSAID only on really bad days or for acute flare-ups. Temporary, short term use of NSAID is highly recommended.

Dr. Christina Lasich, MD

Mimi747

1/ 4/10 9:07pm

I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 32 years. In the early days I took large doses of NSAIDs under medical supervision. For the last 20 years I've been able to get by with Plaquenil and fish oil. But for the last 5 years I've had back and hip pain. I keeps me awake and grinds me down. I've been to my rheumatologist, a hip specialist (X-rays-no signs of arthritis), 3 physical therapists (exercises 3x/wk), 3 massage therapists, 2 chiropractors, and an acupuncturist (weekly + herbal medicine). I am better (can walk again) but still need Motrin to get through the day and especially the night. I'll try Tylenol again, but it doesn't work as well and has it's own problems (liver damage). I think I'm on a good diet - high fibre, low fat, no milk products. But I'll look it up to see what Dr.Weil says.