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New studies that look at the side effect of popular heartburn drugs might discourage doctors and patients to keep using those pills casually. More than millions of people take these pills daily. The mechanism that stops the stomach acid from rising is called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). One that requires prescription is Nexium, and others like Prilosec and Prevacid are bought over-the-counter and have milder side effects.
Women had a higher chance of breaking their bones if they took these drugs after menopause. Also, infection and reinfection with clostridium difficile (harmful bacterium) risk increased for those taking the heartburn drugs. High doses of heartburn drugs also did not help treat bleeding ulcers compared to normal doses.
Experts say to stop taking PPIs other than for severe gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) ulcers and other serious conditions. Many times, the medicines that doctors prescribe to patients are unsuitable and produce many side effects. Try to stay away from drugs by choosing non-drug approaches like losing weight or tilting your bed up. If medicine is really necessary, try antacids like Pepcid instead of PPIs.
Source: National Public Radio
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