PPIs Side Effects
A cluster of drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitor’s (PPIs) were recently associated bone density loss and serious bone fractures among several patients. These drugs are used to inhibit acid secretion and to reduce and control the production of gastric acid.
In August 2008, the Canadian Medical Association Journal discovered that PPIs reduces the absorption of calcium, thus leading to the bone fracture and early onset of osteoporosis. This risk is higher among the patients taking PPIs for more than seven continuous years. Another similar study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association claiming that higher dosage of PPIs leads to hip fractures in the patients.
According to an article published in the American Medical News in September 2008, the National Osteoporosis Foundation found that about 44 million of Americans between the age group of 50 years or more suffer from bone fracture and osteoporosis.
Use of PPIs
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) were introduced to the market to treat the patients suffering from wide range of conditions including the following:
- Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)
- Stress gastritis
- Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Gastrinomas
- Dyspepsia
- Conditions causing hyper secretion of acid
According to an article published in the Wall Street Journal, PPIs are one of the most popular drugs accounting for $ 13 billion industry alone.
Side Effects of PPIs
According to the two medical studies, PPIs have been associated with several side effects, however, there have been no PPIs recall. Doctors are advising additional warnings and increased intake of vitamin D and Calcium. Following are the common side effects of PPIs:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Mild Dizziness
Patients suffering from the following side effects should consult a doctor to ensure that Proton Pump Inhibitor’s are not causing any damage:
- Bone fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Brittle bones
- Breaking bones
Overcoming the Risks of PPIs
PPIs are commonly prescribed for the treatment of heartburn. However, there several other treatments for heart burn including the following:
- Change in diet such as reducing alcohol, soda, caffeine and high fat meals
- Use of H2 blockers (Tangament, Zantac and Pepcid), which block the production of acid.
- Antireflux surgery
- Consumption of anta acids such as Mylanta, Tums and Rolaids in order to neutralize acid production
- Pro-motility drugs like Propulsid.
Following are the common brand names of Proton Pump Inhibitors:
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Prilosec (omepraazole)
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Aciphex (rabeprazole)
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
Individuals who believe that they are suffering from the above-mentioned side effects should immediately seek the advice of doctor as they may be at increased risk of developing osteoporosis.