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PEG feeding - lansoprazole blockages

Posted By TicketyBoo

"PEG feeding - lansoprazole blockages"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Gastroenterology (Stomach and Gut)

(as a service user),

My partner has been totally dependent on a PEG tube for feeding and nil by mouth for several months (hopefully back to eating and drinking normally soon!). 

One issue we came across was administering lansoprazole, as some dispersible tablets caused regular problems with the PEG becoming blocked. Usually we managed to unblock the tube ourselves (after much flushing, pushing and pulling and the associated anxiety!) but on one occasion, we had to call out the nurse. One particular brand caused all the problems we had as it seemed to "clump" much more than others. I've spoken to our local pharmacy and they've made a note. I wondered if this was something that was flagged elsewhere as an issue, and if not, could it be, so that other PEG users don't have the unnecessary anxiety of avoidable tube blockages? Many thanks :)

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Responses

Response from Scott Arnot, Service Manager, Medicine & Unscheduled Care Portfolio, NHS Grampian last month
Scott Arnot
Service Manager, Medicine & Unscheduled Care Portfolio,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 16/04/2025 at 16:08
Published on Care Opinion at 16:08

picture of Scott Arnot

Thank you for sharing your partners experience. It sounds like you've both been through quite a challenging time. I'm glad to hear that your partner might be able to return to normal eating and drinking soon.

We've shared your concerns with our Clinical Nutrition Nurse Specialist who can share awareness of the challenges you and your partner have faced when attempting to disperse the specific brand of tablet.

I hope this information helps, and thank you for the feedback which will support other PEG users. I wish you and your partner all the best.

Kind regards,

Scott

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Response from Sandy Thomson, Associate Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, NHS Grampian last month
Sandy Thomson
Associate Director of Pharmacy, Pharmacy,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 18/04/2025 at 14:42
Published on Care Opinion on 20/04/2025 at 13:57

Good afternoon and I apologise for the delay in responding.

Unfortunately, what your partner has experienced is not uncommon with this product but I completely understand that the issue can cause anxiety and distress. It is heartening to hear that you managed to work this through and that you had good support from the nursing team.

I asked our Medicines Information team to do a review of this issue and it is well documented that the different brands of dispersible lansoprazole tablets disperse into different sizes of particles. The larger the particle size the more likely the PEG tube is to be blocked.

I am pleased that you have found a product that works for you and your partner, and that your community pharmacy has made arrangements to ensure that you receive this brand.

In the response you received from my colleague Scott, he indicated he would inform the Clinical Nutrition Nurse Specialist of this issue. We will work with the Nurse Specialist to try and ensure future PEG users are not affected by the same issue.

Hopefully your partner can get back to normal eating and drinking soon and if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Take care and thank you for highlighting this issue

Sandy

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