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I know this isn't celiac specific, but many of us have both osteoporosis and/or GERD, so I want to share what I found out this morning.

I'm as guilty as the next one, not reading the insert that comes with meds in the mail, if I've been on the medication for many years.  But my thyroid med, Levoxyl, was just lowered, so I happened to glance at it....and I spoke with my rheumatologist (where I get Boniva infusions for osteoporosis/osteopenia.  Turns out that Levoxyl and like thyroid medications can CAUSE osteoporosis, and certainly make it worse.  (I've been on Levoxyl for 16 years!)

I also noticed that you're not supposed to take calcium supplements within four hours of Levoxyl or it blocks absorption.  Duh. For all 16 years, I've been taking my calcium supplements with breakfast, about 30-60 minutes after the pill.

So I called the company that I get drugs from and asked to speak with a pharmacist (PharmD), who told me that as long as my tests are coming out normal, I can probably keep doing this....If I stop taking Ca in the morning, I'm running out of hours in the day to take enough of it, considering I'm on other pills later in the day.  She said if I stopped taking Ca right after the Levoxyl, I will most likely need a smaller dose of Levoxyl.

THEN, she noticed I take Aciphex for reflux with the Calcium.  I take two Calcium citrates and two calcium carbonates....but one of each in the morning and one of each at night.  She said...any acid inhibitor or antacid will prevent the absorption of calcium carbonate, and I should just stick to the citrate  (Citrical).   

Oh boy.  Now consider I've been doing this for many years.  I have been on Aciphex for maybe 10.  

I won't know about my bone density for another few weeks.  I take a Dexascan every year, despite insurance issues.  And I work out like crazy and eat calcium rich foods during the day.  (Dairy, broccoli).

I'm also have other medical conditions, some related to celiac, some not, and take other conflicting medications!  I need a 36 hour day to keep them all apart!   But there is a need for an expert who not only has the knowledge of a PharmD, but also supplements and OTC stuff.

I'm doing well, but it's despite my meds, not because of them, and I doubt any of my doctors knew about the interactions.

I'd love to sit down with a Pharm D and a holistic nutrition specialist for an in depth talk!!!!!!
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