Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Does Gertac interfere with H. pylori test results?
A significant number of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori can have negative test results if they are using Gertac as it interferes with the urea breath test, which is done to identify H. Pylori infection.
Q. Does Gertac cause glaucoma?
Gertac itself does not cause glaucoma. However, there are some rare reports that Gertac can increase the intraocular pressure in patients who have glaucoma. Inform your doctor in case you have glaucoma or high intraocular pressure before taking this medicine.
Q. Can Gertac be used to treat gastritis?
Yes, Gertac can be used for the short-term treatment of gastritis. It helps by decreasing the amount of acid released into the stomach and relieving stomach pain and acid reflux.
Q. Is Gertac safe?
Yes, Gertac is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by the doctor. However, there are some very common side effects that you can experience at the doses advised like nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence.
Q. Is Gertac an over the counter (OTC) drug?
No, Gertac is not an over-the-counter product. It is a prescription medicine and is available only when prescribed by a physician.
Q. Can Vitamin B along with Gertac?
Yes, Vitamin B can be taken along with Gertac. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between this medicine and vitamin B.
Q. Why Gertac is given along with vitamin B12?
Long term use of Gertac can cause vitamin B12 deficiency as it decreases the acid secretion in the stomach which is required for the absorption of Vitamin B12. To prevent this deficiency, vitamin B12 may be advised by your doctor along with this medicine.
Q. Can a patient with hepatitis C take Gertac?
Yes, a patient of hepatitis C can take Gertac, however, this should be taken under medical supervision. Gertac belongs to the group of drugs called H2 blockers which have been seen to increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy in hepatitis C patients. So, this group of medicines should be used with caution in patients with underlying liver disease.
Q. Can I take Vitamin D along with Gertac?
Yes, Vitamin D can be taken with Gertac.
Q. Can the use of Gertac cause headache?
Headache is reported as one of the common side effects of Gertac. Inform your doctor in case you experience headache for a prolonged duration while taking Gertac.
Q. What is the role of Gertac in critically ill patients?
Gertac may be used in critically ill patients to decrease stomach acid secretion and lower the risk of acid aspiration into the lungs. It also helps in decreasing stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding in these patients.
Q. What foods should be avoided when you are taking Gertac?
You should preferably avoid foods that cause acidity and heartburn as they would aggravate your disease condition, for example: fried foods, prepared in butter or oil, fat rich foods, tomato-based foods and juices, caffeinated drinks like cola, tea, drinks from citrus fruits like lemon water or orange juice and alcohol-containing drinks.
Q. Can Gertac be used for reflux esophagitis?
Yes, Gertac is effective in the treatment of reflux esophagitis.
Q. Does Gertac treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Gertac is not routinely used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is given if there is associated dyspepsia or increased stomach acid secretion. IBS is managed with a combination of antispasmodics (to relieve stomach pain), laxatives (to relieve constipation), and anti motility drugs (to relieve diarrhea).
Q. Why is Gertac given with cancer drugs?
Gertac may be used for multiple reasons in cancer patients. It can lower stomach acid volume in patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent aspiration and lower the risk of stomach ulceration and bleeding. According to some studies, Gertac can potentiate white blood cell against cancer cells and can be helpful in the treatment of cancer.
Q. Is Gertac used to treat nausea?
Gertac is used for the treatment of acidity, heartburn, intestinal ulcers and stomach ulcers and can help in providing relief in nausea that may happen due to acid reflux. It is not used to treat nausea due to any other cause. Rather, nausea is one of the most common side effects of Gertac.
Q. What is the benefit of taking Gertac with pantoprazole?
Both Gertac and pantoprazole lower gastric acid secretion, however, they work by different mechanisms. If you have been advised to take pantoprazole, you can also take Gertac initially for rapid relief of heartburn and acid reflux as pantoprazole may take a few days to show its effect and provide relief.
Q. Can I take Gertac with pain killers?
Yes, Gertac can be taken with painkillers. Gertac can help to prevent painkillers induced gastritis and stomach ulcers by decreasing the production of acid in the stomach. Moreover, there are no clinically significant interactions of Gertac with painkillers.
Q. What are the serious side effects associated with the use of Gertac?
Some serious side effects associated with the use of Gertac are bone marrow hypoplasia (decreased formation of blood cell components), anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reactions) sinus bradycardia (lowering of heart rate) and acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Q. Why does Gertac cause diarrhea?
Use of Gertac lowers the natural stomach acid which normally helps to kill bacteria. So, use of Gertac leads to overgrowth of the harmful bacteria like clostridium difficile which can cause diarrhea. This is known as clostridium difficileâassociated diarrhea (CDAD). Inform your doctor if you have loose stools many times in a day and for many days with stomach cramps and fever.
Q. Is Gertac effective?
Gertac would be effective only if used for the right indication in the dose and for the duration as advised by the doctor. In case you do not find any change in your disease condition while taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor. Do not change the dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
Q. Can I smoke while taking Gertac?
It is better to avoid cigarette smoking when you are taking Gertac. As studies have shown that the effectiveness of Gertac is lower in smokers compared to non-smokers. Moreover, smoking may add to gastric problems leading to more production of gastric acid.
Q. Can the use of Gertac cause iron deficiency?
Yes, use of Gertac can cause iron deficiency and a decrease in hemoglobin levels as it decreases the acidic environment of the stomach needed for the absorption of iron. However, there are no recommendations on the regular monitoring of iron levels or taking iron supplements when the patient is taking Gertac but you can maintain good dietary nutrition so that no deficiency occurs.
Q. Is there any known role of Gertac before surgery?
Gertac is given as a part of pre-anesthetic medication before surgery to decrease the stomach acid secretion so that stomach acid is not aspirated into the lungs during surgery as this may complicate or delay the procedure.
Q. Does Gertac cause flatulence (gas or bloating)?
Flatulence (gas) has been reported as a common side effect of Gertac. Although it would be mild to moderate in nature and it goes away once you stop taking Gertac.
Q. Is Gertac an antihistaminic drug?
Yes, Gertac is an antihistaminic drug. It acts on histamine receptors in the stomach and blocks the action of a chemical messenger histamine (causes acid secretion in stomach) and hence decreases the acid production in the stomach.
Q. Can the use of Gertac cause constipation?
Yes, the use of Gertac can cause constipation. It is one of the common side effect seen with Gertac. Taking high fiber diet and plenty of fluids can help in relieving constipation and can also help in decreasing acidity.
Q. Is Gertac useful in the prevention of painkiller (NSAID) induced gastric ulcers?
Yes, Gertac is useful for the prevention of painkiller (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug - NSAID) induced gastric ulcers. These may cause dull pain in the stomach, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or bloating. Avoid stress and spicy foods as they can make your symptoms worse.Show moreShow less
