Many people are familiar with heartburn or acid reflux — that burning feeling in the chest after a big meal or certain foods. For relief, millions turn to medications called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs.
Popular brands like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid are often taken daily to reduce stomach acid and help manage conditions like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). In fact, around 1 in 10 adults in the U.S. take these medications regularly.
While PPIs are effective in easing symptoms, a new study from the University of California San Diego is raising serious concerns about the long-term safety of these drugs — especially when it comes to kidney health.
Researchers looked into a huge database called FAERS (the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System), which collects reports from patients about side effects they’ve experienced while taking medications.
They focused on about 43,000 people who used only PPIs and compared them to roughly 8,000 people who used a different type of heartburn medication called histamine-2 receptor blockers (such as Zantac or Pepcid) — and who weren’t taking any other drugs.
What they found was surprising. Among the PPI users, 5.6% had reported problems with their kidneys. In the group taking histamine-2 blockers, that number was just 0.7%. When it came to chronic kidney disease specifically, PPI users were nearly 28 times more likely to report having it compared to those in the other group.
But that wasn’t all. Reports of other serious kidney issues — like sudden kidney injury, kidney failure, and problems with electrolyte levels — were also much higher in the PPI group.
This isn’t the first time scientists have raised red flags about these medications. Back in 2017, the same research team also found a link between PPIs and liver problems. These new findings add more weight to the idea that while PPIs are useful, they may carry risks that aren’t always talked about.
PPIs work by blocking acid production in the stomach, which is great for treating heartburn. But this powerful effect might also affect how other systems in the body function over time. Kidneys, for example, play a key role in cleaning waste from the blood and balancing the body’s fluids. If they’re harmed, it can lead to serious long-term health issues.
So what does all this mean for people who take PPIs?
First, it’s important not to panic or stop your medication suddenly. These drugs are often necessary and helpful. But this research does suggest that they should be used carefully, especially if taken over long periods. Doctors may want to re-evaluate whether their patients still need PPIs, or if they could switch to other treatment options.
People who already have kidney problems or are at risk for them should talk to their doctor about these findings. It may be possible to use lower doses, take breaks from the medication, or try alternative treatments such as dietary changes or other types of medications.
This study, published in Scientific Reports by researcher Ruben Abagyan and his team, is a reminder that even common medications can have hidden risks when used for too long. It encourages both doctors and patients to stay informed and have regular conversations about the pros and cons of any long-term drug use.
In the end, PPIs remain a helpful tool for managing acid-related problems — but with millions relying on them, understanding the full picture is more important than ever.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about pesticide linked to chronic kidney disease, and this drug may prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about drug duo that may treat kidney failure, and results showing these vegetables may protect against kidney damage.
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