Millions of Americans take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid to manage acid reflux, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
While these medications provide relief from digestive discomfort, a new study from the University of California San Diego suggests they may come with serious risks, particularly for kidney health.
The research analyzed data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), which contains millions of reports from patients experiencing side effects from medications.
The study focused on about 43,000 people who used only PPIs and compared them with approximately 8,000 people who used a different type of acid-reducing medication, histamine-2 receptor blockers (such as Zantac or Pepcid), without taking any other drugs.
The findings were concerning. Among PPI users, 5.6% reported kidney-related issues, compared to just 0.7% of those taking histamine-2 receptor blockers. The risk of developing chronic kidney disease was especially alarming—PPI users were 28.4 times more likely to report this condition than the control group.
They also had higher rates of acute kidney injury, end-stage renal disease, and electrolyte imbalances, all of which can have serious health consequences.
This is not the first time researchers have raised concerns about PPIs. Previous studies have suggested links between PPI use and liver disease, among other health risks. While PPIs are highly effective in reducing stomach acid and preventing painful symptoms, these findings suggest that long-term use may not be as safe as once thought.
Doctors and patients should be cautious when considering PPIs, particularly for those with a higher risk of kidney disease. Healthcare providers are encouraged to weigh the benefits and risks before prescribing these medications, and patients should stay informed about potential side effects.
This study, published in Scientific Reports by researcher Ruben Abagyan and his team, highlights the importance of continued research into widely used medications. While PPIs remain a valuable tool for managing acid-related conditions, awareness of their long-term impact is crucial for ensuring patient safety.
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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