The concerns around their extended use are that they may lead to increased risk of bone fractures, vitamin B and magnesium deficiencies, and infection with Clostridium difficile bacteria, which can cause serious bowel damage and in some vulnerable people, lead to an increased risk of premature death.
Some research suggests PPIs also can deplete vitamin B12 levels, and a study published in January 2015 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine linked the drugs to an increased risk for kidney disease. "PPIs were never meant to be taken forever," says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer Reports chief medical adviser.
Serious side effects include kidney damage and bone fractures. Thousands of people have filed Nexium lawsuits after they took Nexium and later developed kidney disease.
Prolonged use can also reduce the absorption of magnesium and B12, and increase the risk of intestinal infections, such as those caused by Clostridium difficile, leading to severe diarrhea.
Antacids are among the safest drugs for acid reflux and side effects are rare. Depending on the antacid's ingredients, side effects may include diarrhea, constipation, calcium loss and kidney stones.
Side Effects of Long-Term Use of Acid Reflux Medicines
In recent years, long-term PPI use has been linked to: Increased risk of stomach cancer: PPIs block the production of acid that can potentially damage the esophagus.
Most patients have difficulty discontinuing their PPI's because the amount of acid in their digestive system surges when they stop taking the drug, and they're often left with symptoms like excruciating stomach pain and increased heartburn.
Although proton pump inhibitors like Nexium are useful in some situations, they can be very difficult to quit. Stopping acid-suppressing drugs suddenly leads to rebound hyperacidity. You may need to reduce your dose even more gradually.
Sometimes your doctor may advise you to take it for longer, even many years. Your doctor may suggest taking esomeprazole only when you have symptoms. This means you will not have to take it every day. Once you feel better, you can stop taking it, often after a few days or weeks.
Slowly taper off the PPI over 2-4 weeks (the higher the dose, the longer the taper). While the taper is being completed, use the following for bridge therapy to reduce the symptoms of rebound hyperacidity. Encourage regular aerobic exercise. Encourage a relaxation technique such as deep breathing.
In general, try to avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and acidic foods (such as the grapefruit, limes, and other citrus fruits you mentioned). All of these things can increase the amount of acid in your stomach, which can worsen your symptoms.
New research suggests that popular heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prevacid (lansoprazole), Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole) may damage arteries leading to an increased risk of heart attack, kidney failure and dementia.
Drugs like Nexium interfere with a body's absorption of nutrients, including iron, calcium and Vitamin B12. According to the FDA, they can cause increased bone fractures, bacterial infections that are especially dangerous to elderly people and risk of pneumonia and weight gain.
Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation. It is easy to choose foods by looking them up to see how acidic they are.
The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux. But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms."
You Take PPIs Incorrectly
People often have breakthrough acid reflux symptoms if they do not take their PPIs correctly. Generally, PPIs are most effective if you take them about 30 minutes before your first meal. 1 Food signals your body to secrete stomach acid.
Your doctor may have prescribed NEXIUM for another reason. There is no evidence that NEXIUM is addictive.
OTC Nexium contains esomeprazole, the same active ingredient as the prescription version. But the dosages are a bit different. OTC Nexium only comes as a 20 mg capsule and tablet. Prescription Nexium is available as 20 mg and 40 mg capsules and a powder that can be made into an oral liquid by a pharmacist.
Proton pump inhibitors (such as esomeprazole) may increase your risk for bone fractures, especially with longer use, higher doses, and in older adults. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about ways to prevent bone loss/fracture, such as by taking calcium (such as calcium citrate) and vitamin D supplements.
Tolerance and safety were good and comparable in both groups. Conclusion Gaviscon® was non-inferior to omeprazole in achieving a 24-h heartburn-free period in moderate episodic heartburn, and is a relevant effective alternative treatment in moderate GERD in primary care.
The Dangers of Untreated GERD
As common as acid reflux is, it is important to know how to treat it and what could happen if you ignore the symptoms. Dr. Tosch warns that chronic, untreated GERD can cause serious complications. Over time, recurring acid reflux can damage the lining of the esophagus.