In a new study, researchers found that it is safe to use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat heartburn or other acid-related conditions.
They find no evidence to support claims that PPIs cause serious health issues such as pneumonia, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and dementia.
The new finding shows that limiting prescriptions of PPI therapy because of concerns of long-term harm is not appropriate.
The research was conducted by a team from McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences.
PPIs are one of the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. for heartburn, which occurs in over 25% of the population.
As with all drugs, PPI therapy should only be used when the benefits are expected to outweigh the risks and should be used according to the recommended dose and duration of treatment.
The current study included 17,598 patients in different groups given the PPIs or placebo.
The researchers collected data on the development of multiple diseases every six months.
They found that PPIs are not linked to any health problems when used for three years, with the possible exception of an increased risk of enteric infections.
However, this risk is lower than estimated by previous studies and should be interpreted with caution.
The team believes that the finding provides welcomed news for the patients who rely on PPIs to control their symptoms.
This is the first study to examine the many long-term safety concerns related to PPI therapy.
The researcher also provides tips for safely using PPIs:
Patients should talk to their doctors before making any changes to their medication. They can discuss the reason for PPI prescription, the dose and the timeframe for treatment.
There may be lifestyle changes that can reduce the need for PPIs for long-term use. For example, weight loss, avoiding tobacco or changing eating patterns may reduce heartburn.
Keep in touch with doctors and get the latest research finding of PPIs use. Patients who have a diagnosed condition that is helped by PPIs should stay on them, as benefits can outweigh risks.
The lead author of the study is Paul Moayyedi, MB, ChB, Ph.D., The Population Health Research Institute.
The study is published in Gastroenterology.
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