Medicines called proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are widely used around the world to treat heartburn and acid reflux.
These conditions happen when stomach acid moves up into the throat, causing a burning feeling and discomfort. Many people take these medicines every day to feel better and to prevent symptoms from coming back.
PPIs are easy to find and are often seen as safe. In fact, about one in ten adults in the United States uses them regularly. Popular examples include Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid. Because they work quickly and reduce acid effectively, many people continue using them for months or even years.
However, new research suggests that long-term use of these drugs may not be as safe as many people think. A study from the University of California San Diego has raised concerns about possible harm to the kidneys.
In this study, scientists used data from a large system run by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This system collects reports from millions of patients about side effects from different medicines. The database includes more than 10 million reports, giving researchers a large amount of information to study.
To make their results more reliable, the researchers focused only on people who were taking PPIs and no other medicines. This group included about 43,000 individuals.
They compared these people with another group of about 8,000 people who were taking a different type of acid medicine called H2 blockers. These include drugs like Pepcid and Zantac, which are often considered safer for long-term use.
The results showed a clear difference between the two groups. People who used only PPIs were much more likely to report serious kidney problems.
They were more than 28 times more likely to report chronic kidney disease. They were also over 4 times more likely to have sudden kidney injury. The risk of developing end-stage kidney failure, the most serious condition, was more than 35 times higher. In addition, they were about 8 times more likely to report other types of kidney damage.
The researchers also found that people taking PPIs had more problems with their body’s mineral balance. These minerals, called electrolytes, are important for heart function, muscle movement, and many other processes. When these levels become unbalanced, it can lead to serious health problems.
These findings were seen across several different PPI drugs, suggesting that the risk may be linked to how this type of medicine works, rather than to one specific brand.
Kidney problems can develop in different ways. Chronic kidney disease often progresses slowly and may not cause symptoms until the damage is advanced. Acute kidney injury can happen suddenly and may require urgent medical care. End-stage kidney failure is very serious and often requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Although PPIs can greatly improve quality of life for people with severe acid reflux, the researchers say it is important to use them carefully. Long-term use should not be taken lightly, especially if there is no strong medical reason to continue.
Doctors may need to monitor kidney function in patients who take these medicines regularly. This is especially important for people who already have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes. Using the lowest effective dose and taking the medicine for the shortest possible time may help reduce risk.
There are also simple lifestyle changes that can help reduce acid reflux. Eating smaller meals, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking can all make a difference. For some people, these changes may reduce the need for daily medication.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about PPIs. Earlier research has also suggested possible links to liver problems and other health issues.
The study was led by researcher Ruben Abagyan and was published in the journal Scientific Reports. The researchers stress that even common medicines, especially those available without a prescription, can carry risks if used for a long time.
As more research is done, it is important for patients and doctors to talk openly about both the benefits and risks of these drugs. Being aware of possible side effects can help people make better decisions and protect their long-term health, including the health of their kidneys.
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.
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