Reaction to Pepcid Complete?

[catillus]

Over the past week or two my digestive symptoms have gotten worse - bloating almost every day, gas pains, abdomen pains, etc. I even went so far as to think maybe I was allergic to something or had another digestive condition beyond celiac disease. 
 

I’ve had recurring heartburn for a long time that generally responds well to antacids and over the counter stuff. I’ve been incredibly careful checking all my food I buy and not eating anything that doesn’t seem all clear. The ONLY thing after doing research that I could possibly think of is that me taking Pepcid complete more frequently recently could be causing it. I went on their website and read this: 

“Gluten or gluten-containing grains are not ingredients in the product. However, we do not currently test our final products for gluten, and we cannot confirm that the product or any ingredients in the product are free of gluten. We strongly recommend that if you have any form of gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication, since he or she is most familiar with your medical history.” 
 

I feel so dumb if this was causing my issues this whole time. I’m still relatively new to the diet, diagnosed in July, and I’ve slipped up a couple times and been accidentally glutened as I’ve figured it out. Has anyone else had a problem with Pepcid Complete? 

 

[trents]

In view of the company's response, I would be more concerned about other causes for your heartburn than a potential issue with Pepcid complete such as a hiatal hernia or even (believe it or not) low stomach acid. Also things like SIBO should be looked at. Are you a coffee drinker? Certain medications, foods and beverages tend to cause the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) to relax so I would investigate that as well.

[catillus]

17 minutes ago, trents said:

In view of the company's response, I would be more concerned about other causes for your heartburn than a potential issue with Pepcid complete such as a hiatal hernia or even (believe it or not) low stomach acid. Also things like SIBO should be looked at. Are you a coffee drinker? Certain medications, foods and beverages tend to cause the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) to relax so I would investigate that as well.

I had an endoscopy related to my heartburn/anemia in July which is how I found out I have celiac disease. The doctor seemed more concerned about the celiac. My guess is probably I need to continue to work on my diet/anxiety levels but it is probably worth having another chat with my doctor. 

[trents]

It can take awhile to learn about the hidden sources of gluten in our food supply. Also, keep in mind that food companies can and do change their formulations from time to time without warning such that something that once did not contain gluten now does. You are relatively new at all this. Also, it typically takes around two years for the villi to heal completely even after going truly gluten free.

[Yvonne Casey]

51 minutes ago, catillus said:

Over the past week or two my digestive symptoms have gotten worse - bloating almost every day, gas pains, abdomen pains, etc. I even went so far as to think maybe I was allergic to something or had another digestive condition beyond celiac disease. 
 

I’ve had recurring heartburn for a long time that generally responds well to antacids and over the counter stuff. I’ve been incredibly careful checking all my food I buy and not eating anything that doesn’t seem all clear. The ONLY thing after doing research that I could possibly think of is that me taking Pepcid complete more frequently recently could be causing it. I went on their website and read this: 

“Gluten or gluten-containing grains are not ingredients in the product. However, we do not currently test our final products for gluten, and we cannot confirm that the product or any ingredients in the product are free of gluten. We strongly recommend that if you have any form of gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication, since he or she is most familiar with your medical history.” 
 

I feel so dumb if this was causing my issues this whole time. I’m still relatively new to the diet, diagnosed in July, and I’ve slipped up a couple times and been accidentally glutened as I’ve figured it out. Has anyone else had a problem with Pepcid Complete? 

 

I feel your pain (literally)…although I was not taking that particular brand.  I was using a generic brand from Walmart and being very careful what I was eating and  I was still feeling bad with all those same symptoms that you have experienced.   I finally realized that that was my problem so I stopped taking them, but it took a few days before I finally started feeling good again.  I stay alway from all of them now unless my doctor prescribes or recommends one.  

4 minutes ago, trents said:

It can take awhile to learn about the hidden sources of gluten in our food supply. Also, keep in mind that food companies can and do change their formulations from time to time without warning such that something that once did not contain gluten now does. You are relatively new at all this. Also, it typically takes around two years for the villi to heal completely even after going truly gluten free.

That’s good to know.  Didn’t realize that company’s would change the formulations. I’ll have to check more often.

[AlwaysLearning]

I don't remember why I think this because I've never taken antacids, but I could have sworn that I had read not to use them because they really mess up your gut flora. Please, do not quote me on that, but perhaps do some more research yourself.

I am really sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. That sucks. But congratulations on getting your diagnosis! That is huge and should have wonderfully positive effects on your health overall!

Gut flora does best when you are eating a wide variety of foods, mostly fruits and vegetables, and are avoiding sugar and salt. I know it is tough to try to get your diet to be healthier when you're already trying to be gluten free, but keep in mind that just about everything in the produce section of your grocery store is safe. If you can talk yourself into believing that you love to cook and that going gluten free is just the start of an exciting culinary expedition, you're going to be much better off long term. Avoiding prepared and processed foods  is not only a good way to avoid gluten, it is also a good way to avoid the weight gain that can contribute to acid reflux. 

Another thing I would recommend adding into your routine is an easy, 30-minute walk every day. It is great if you already have this as part of your lifestyle, such as getting back and forth to work. But cardio-vascular exercise is the only way that many of the stress-related hormones, such as adrenaline, can be worked out of your system. And the walk should also help with digestion which can also reduce the acid reflux.

A lot of dealing with having celiac is to manage the mental perception of being deprived. You have to trick yourself into believing that we are really lucky that the best treatment for our disease is to do the things we should be doing anyway, such as cooking whole ingredients from scratch.

I am crossing my fingers for you that the acid reflux gets better as your system starts to heal. And I am sending you best wishes that you can embrace your gluten free lifestyle with a positive enthusiasm that will carry you through this rough patch into a new life of health and vibrancy! You can do it!

[cristiana]

Just to chip in... I get gas, bloating and stomach pains when I suffer from gastritis which can be brought on by glutening but also by eating rich food (too much cake is a bad one for me!) or by taking certain antibiotics or NSAIDs.   

I take a short course of omeprazole or another ppi (usually for just a few days) when it strikes and eat bland foods like banana, chicken, applesauce and rice, and it seems to nip the gastritis symptoms in the bud. 

However, I also get bloating and gas if I take omeprazole for longer than I need it - perhaps the reason that happens there is too little stomach acid after a few days of the ppi?  

And I agree with Alwayslearning - walking is really good for this type of thing, for the reasons stated, but also I find it helps with the bloating.

Edited October 13, 2021 by cristiana