PPI side effects

[flowergirl2day]

Hi,

I asked two different pharmacists today about any negative effects of Nexium when used over a long period of time. Both said they did not know of any, and would NOT be concerned. They did not go as far as saying the drugs were safe without any long-term side effects. One said calcium supplementation is a MUST with long-term use of PPIs. Acidic environment is needed, according to her. Not just any calcium, it must be calcium citrate - which I take anyway. The other pharmacist (at my pharmacy) told me the claims of damage done by the PPIs when used long-term have not been substantiated. Thinking it over, I feel they'd defend and support the use of these meds long-term as they are somewhat biased. The manufacturers of these drugs would like nothing more than having us take these expensive meds for life. Whose side are the pharmacists on? I don't know what to think now.

flowergirl

[Canyondweller]

It is always best to cut down PPI's gradually as you can get a rebound effect if you cold turkey it. I found this out when I had to go off them for my h. pylori test and found not only me but others also had problems when they came off. One thing you can do is sub Pepcid, Tagamet or the other one(CRS today) and that does a pretty good job of taking the heat off. They are concerned about the PPI's and osteoporosis but I don't think it has been completely proven yet.

[flowergirl2day]

thank you, Canyondweller. I will leave it up to my doctor to make a decision to either stop or continue with this therapy. I'll make sure to voice my opinion that the PPIs are not helping. I did not realize stopping these drugs can cause rebound reflux. Somehow I thought they weren't as dangerous as medications that effect the heart. I should know bettter! I'll write your suggestion into my notebook.

flowergirl

[Canyondweller]

They are not as dangerous I am sure but like anything long term our body does tend to have some reaction to them. My guess is that after supressing the acid so completly as the PPI's do, they are blockers of the pumps rather than just cutting down the acid that the body has to adjust. I do find that Pepcid AC helps me at night but I don't find it works well as my only med for reflux. Only thing you can do it talk it over with Dr. and then use your own mind to decide.