Scientists are raising alarms over certain medications commonly prescribed to treat acid reflux drugs.
Research suggests that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are under scrutiny as a possible link between the long-term use of these drugs and the heightened risk of serious, potentially fatal diseases.
More than 15 million people in the United States take prescriptions for PPIs, and even more may take over-the-counter PPIs.
Over the years, brands like Nexium, Aciphex, Zegerid, Dexilant, Prevacid, Protonix, and Prilosec have sold PPIs.
A new study appearing in the journal The BMJ suggests these drugs may increase the risk of death from various chronic health conditions.
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, an assistant professor of medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, is the senior investigator of the study.
He stated, “Taking PPIs over months or years is not safe. and now we have a clearer picture of health conditions associated with long-term PPI use.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also suggested that over-the-counter PPIs should come with clear warnings about potential health risks.
It should limit the use to no more than 14 days without medical consultation. The lead researcher said, “People who feel the need to take over-the-counter PPIs longer than this need to see their doctors.”
These medications may lead to a higher likelihood of premature death from cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and upper gastrointestinal cancer.
Key Findings of The Study:
The study analyzed medical records from over 214000 patients and found that those using PPIs have a 17% higher risk of death compared to those taking H2 blockers, another class of acid-suppressing drugs.
Specifically, the research estimated that there are 45 excess deaths per 1000 individuals taking PPIs.
Specific Causes of Death:
15 per 1000 deaths from heart disease
4 per 1000 due to chronic kidney disease.
2 per 1000 due to stomach cancer.
However, more than half of the participants took PPIs without a clear medical necessity. They raise concerns about the overuse of these medications and the associated health risks.
This new evidence adds to existing concerns linking PPIs to various adverse health effects, including dementia and bone fracture.
As healthcare providers reassess their prescribing practices, patients are encouraged to discuss their medication use with their doctors.
PPIs can be effective in managing acid reflux but should be taken into serious consideration and monitored.