Proton pump inhibitors (also known as PPIs) are medications that lower the production of stomach acid in the body. As such, they can be a great remedy for issues like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or for treating a stomach ulcer.
However, PPIs aren’t always the best option for your overall and long-term health. For many, treatment with these medications can actually cause more problems than they solve. That’s why some people are trying to get off PPIs altogether.
Here at Boca Care Surgical Associates, we want to provide you for the best medical care for both the long and the short term. Our provider, Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, wants to ensure you know all the facts when it comes to your health so you can make the best decision possible. This includes which medications to take, whether for now or for years to come.
As previously stated, PPIs help to lessen the production of stomach acid. During this time, the esophagus (which may have experienced serious side effects from a number of stomach acid-related conditions) is able to heal.
But it’s important to understand that the best use of these medications — when treating most syndromes — is a short-term course. The long-term effects of PPIs can actually create serious side effects in some people, and these should be considered (along with your medical history and risk factors) before any long-term course of PPIs is administered.
There are a number of concerning risks associated with the long-term use of PPIs. And as with most medication-based side effects, these risks become higher depending on other factors associated with your medical history.
Older people especially are at a higher risk for bone fractures. Using PPIs in the long term increases this risk. Another risk, especially in aging individuals, is infection. Both of these were factors in a recent study that found discontinuing PPI use in older patients to be an effective choice.
Other possible side effects of PPI use include dementia, stomach cancer, kidney injury, and heart attack. And in many cases, these medications can cause abdominal problems, such as flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Yes, for some patients, PPIs create more gastrointestinal issues in the long term.
Although PPIs can be effective for the treatment of GERD, these symptoms can be managed through other means — one of which is certain lifestyle changes. Taking supplements and eating fewer foods that trigger acid reflux are great ways to manage the problem yourself. There are even foods you can eat that help manage acid reflux.
Certain over-the-counter medications can also be a great alternative to taking PPIs. These can be taken when needed (instead of every day the way PPIs are taken), and you can better manage your symptoms this way, taking note of when certain foods and drinks affect you.
Finally, it was found in the previous study that tapering off PPIs was not a necessary step as long as caution was taken when ending your use of the medication. It’s not only possible to stop taking PPIs; it’s not hard. You’ll simply need to be aware of what you eat and manage any symptoms with over-the-counter meds.
It is possible, and once you do, you won’t need to worry about the long-term issues of this medication. Still, you should always discuss any changes in medication with your provider so you can safely make the switch.
To learn more about our options for minimally invasive and robotic surgery in Boca Raton, Florida, call 561-395-2626 or visit us online to book an appointment.
