Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are common medicines used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
These conditions happen when stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, causing burning pain and discomfort. Millions of people rely on PPIs to feel better and go about their day.
Some well-known PPI brands include Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid. In the United States, about one in ten adults uses these drugs.
PPIs work by lowering the amount of acid made in the stomach. This can help reduce pain and prevent long-term damage caused by acid. While these drugs help many people, scientists have started to look more closely at whether they might also have hidden risks.
A new study from the University of California San Diego has found that using PPIs could be linked to problems with the kidneys. The researchers used a large public database called the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, or FAERS. This database collects reports from patients and doctors about side effects from medicines.
The researchers studied the records of about 43,000 people who only took PPIs, without mixing them with other drugs. They also looked at about 8,000 people who took another kind of acid-reducing medicine called H2 blockers. H2 blockers work differently than PPIs. Some common H2 blockers are Zantac and Pepcid.
When comparing the two groups, the researchers found that people taking only PPIs were more likely to have kidney problems. Around 5.6% of PPI users reported kidney issues, compared to just 0.7% of those taking H2 blockers. In fact, PPI users were 28 times more likely to report chronic kidney disease.
The risks didn’t stop there. The study also found that people on PPIs were more likely to have other serious kidney problems, including acute kidney injury, end-stage kidney failure, and other kinds of kidney damage. They were also more likely to have issues with electrolytes, which help keep fluids and minerals balanced in the body.
It’s important to understand that while this study shows a link between PPIs and kidney problems, it doesn’t prove that PPIs directly cause the damage. Still, the results are a good reason to be cautious, especially for people who already have kidney concerns.
This is not the first time that PPIs have raised safety questions. Back in 2017, another study from the same university found signs that PPIs might also be connected to liver problems in both mice and humans. That study made researchers wonder if these medicines might have long-term effects on more than one organ.
The World Health Organization still considers PPIs essential for many people. These drugs can be life-changing for people with serious stomach acid problems. But the researchers believe doctors should tell patients about the possible risks, especially for people who are already at higher risk for kidney disease.
If you’re using PPIs or thinking about starting them, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Regular check-ups and blood tests can help catch any early signs of kidney trouble. Some people may be able to switch to H2 blockers or try other ways to manage acid reflux.
This study shows why it’s always important to weigh the pros and cons of any medication. More research will likely follow, but for now, being informed and talking openly with your doctor is the best step.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about drug that prevents kidney failure in diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and common painkillers may harm heart, kidneys and more.
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