Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are common medicines used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD. Drugs like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid are familiar names to many people. I
n the U.S., about one in ten adults takes these medications regularly to relieve discomfort and improve their daily lives.
But new research from the University of California San Diego raises serious concerns about the long-term safety of these drugs, especially when it comes to kidney health.
Researchers looked at a huge database of patient reports called FAERS, which contains over 10 million cases of drug side effects. They focused on about 43,000 people who used only PPIs, comparing them with around 8,000 people who used a different type of acid-reducing drug called histamine-2 receptor blockers, such as Zantac or Pepcid.
The results were eye-opening. Among the PPI users, 5.6% reported kidney-related problems. In contrast, only 0.7% of those using histamine-2 blockers reported similar issues.
Even more alarming, PPI users were 28.4 times more likely to report chronic kidney disease than the comparison group. Other serious problems like sudden kidney injury, kidney failure, and imbalances in body salts were also much higher among PPI users.
This isn’t the first time PPIs have raised red flags. Earlier studies, including one from 2017 by the same university, found a possible link between PPI use and chronic liver disease. All this suggests that doctors and patients need to be more cautious when using these drugs over the long term.
While PPIs are very helpful in controlling acid problems, this new study reminds us that they aren’t risk-free. Doctors should think carefully about how long patients stay on these drugs, especially those who may already have kidney problems or other risk factors.
This research also shows why it’s so important for people taking PPIs to stay informed. Patients should talk with their healthcare providers about any concerns, especially if they’ve been on PPIs for a long time. In some cases, switching to a different medication or trying lifestyle changes might be safer.
The study, led by Ruben Abagyan and published in the journal Scientific Reports, highlights the need for more awareness and better education about PPI use. It encourages careful decision-making, balancing the benefits of symptom relief with the potential risks to kidney health.
As millions of people continue to use PPIs, this research is a strong reminder that even common medications can have serious side effects. The more we learn about these drugs, the better choices we can make for long-term health.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from 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 eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
