Popular stomach acid reducers such as Prilosec and Nexium have brought relief to millions suffering from gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn and peptic ulcers. But a new study suggests that these medicines may be shortening lives.
About 15 million Americans are prescribed these popular proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, by their doctors. This number does not include retail sales for over the counter medications. As these drugs become more popular, it is important to know the dangers they present.
PPIs were already suspected of increasing the risk of heart disease, bone fractures and other serious health problems. This latest study, which studied military vets, went further and revealed an increased likelihood of death for long-time users of stomach acid reducing pills.
Study of acid reducing drugs reveals dangers
Veterans Administration records of 349,312 patients were studied: 275,977 of whom were prescribed PPIs and 73,335 who were prescribed H2 blockers, which includes Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac. PPI patients showed a 25 percent higher death rate than the H2 patients - a significant difference.
Predictably, PPI manufacturers responded that their products are safe when used as directed - usually for no more than two weeks. But many people use these drugs year round to deal with stomach distress, and they are not properly warned of the long term effects.
The dangers and the inadequate warnings about those dangers lead to serious personal injuries for those who use proton pump inhibitors.
Do you have a medical malpractice claim?
It is anticipated that links between health issues from the use of proton pump inhibitors will increase in the near future. If you have encountered serious problems from using Prilosec or another PPIs, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This money can help you get the medical treatment you need, reimburse you for lost income while ill and may help to force manufacturers into making safer drugs or providing better warnings.
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