Hi Layla,
it’s easy to beat ourselves up about what we think we should have done and how it might have affected our diagnosis. I’m still cross that when I brought up the possibility of OP with my medicine review for Lansoprazole (I was concerned that the good from my strength training was being undone by taking Lansoprazole) I didn’t push for a Dexa But why should we? The medics should be “on it”, so try not to be too hard on yourself. Take care.
I don’t understand why Lansoprazole affects bones. I thought it was just a gastro-resistant capsule to prevent stomach problems when taking Naproxen?
Hi Deidre,
I’m not sure how it affects bone I did read about it affecting the calcium reaching bone, but can’t find that article. However, this is from the NHS website:
“Taking lansoprazole for more than 1 year may increase your chances of certain side effects, including: … bone fractures…”
This is from NICE: “Can increase the risk of fractures (particularly when used at high doses for over a year in the elderly)…”
There are also mentions on the (National Osteoporosis Guideline Group), NOGG-UK and the government website.
I decided to give up Lansoprazole and manage reflux in other ways rather than risk further damage. I told my GP my plan and he had no problem with that.
Good evening, thanks for the info. I did have a GP appointment this afternoon to discuss having a bone scan and he explained about the issue with the lansoprazole. It seems that it limits the uptake of magnesium which is important for bone strength so that all makes sense now. I won’t take it anymore and stick to paracetamol and gels for my aches and pains. Hope this is helpful to other people. I have to wait up to 36 weeks for the bone scan! The GP had given me a prescription for calcium and vitamin D in the meantime. He was very positive that if I require medication once I eventually get the scan that it will work and should be accepted. Take care, Deirdre
Hi Deirdre,
I take aloe Vera juice with digestive enzymes from Holland and Barrett which I find is as good as meds and I think there’s been research carried out to support that.
Hi, I am 57 soon and was diagnosed in October 2025 after an MRI showed 2 spinal fractures. Since then I have suffered further thoracic fractures and live 24/7 in pain. The outlook feels pretty glum. I can’t even get around Tesco without being in pain. I ask myself why this at such a young age. I don’t think I can cope with this for the rest of my life. I can’t contemplate any form of exercise until I’ve been on the bone building drug for a while. It sounds to me like a lot of people are suffering with this. One in 2 women will get osteoporosis they say. Well done to The ROS for the work they do raising awareness.
So sorry to hear of your fractures and pain Zoe. Hopefully, the meds will soon improve things for you and you’ll feel less despondent about the future. As you say, the ROS is a great resource and this forum, I think, will be very useful.
Dear Zoe, I’m so sorry to hear you are in such a lot of pain and are feeling so fearful for the future. Just wondering whether you have been referred to a chronic pain management clinic or support group if there is one in your area? Might be worth asking your GP if this is a possibility.
I’ve also found the book ‘The Pain Relief secret’ by Sarah Warren, very helpful. It is not specifically aimed at osteoporosis sufferers but explains how gentle somatic exercises can be a useful tool in pain relief and management. If you feel understandably hesitant about more vigorous exercise at the moment, this may be an option for you, although obviously you may need to take some medical advice before starting any new regime.
I wish you well and hope you can get the support you need to help you both physically and emotionally. Sending you a big empathetic hug x
I think its because long-term suppression of stomach acid reduces the absorption of calcium etc.
Hi all. Proton pump inhibitors like lansoprazole work by reducing stomach acid secretionod. An unfortunate side effect of this is recuded absoption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium which is not ideal if you have osteoporosis. Good shout on natural alternatives such as aloe vera. Digestive herbal teas containing demulcent herbs such as liquorice, marshmallow and chamomile can really help with reflux too.
Don’t give up Zoe. Speaking from thoracic fracture experience the pain is horrific but does gradually ease and once you’re healing and stable on bone building meds life will open up again.