How safe are heartburn medications and who should use them?

Heartburn medications that are currently prescribed might not be the most effective in treating heartburn. Many people suffer from heartburn and many of those people are prescribed what is known as "protein pump inhibitors." These medications prevent stomach cells from producing stomach acid, which causes heartburn. However, these medications often need to be taken for long periods of time and may lead to early death. While studies show proton pump inhibitors are effective at reducing heartburn, one study found a small increased risk of early death for those taking these medications and other studies have linked negative side effects, like vitamin B12 deficiency, to proton pump inhibitors. Nevertheless, the benefits outweigh the risks. Yet, it seems as though too many proton pump inhibitors are being prescribed than are necessary. Therefore, only those suffering from extreme heartburn should be prescribed proton pump inhibitors, as they can be very beneficial to treating their condition.

Key Takeaways:

• Acid reflux is classified in two types, one with clear erosions and non-erosive.
• Protien pump inhibitor doses of 5 mg a day were effective in significantly improving symptons in non-erosive reflux.
• Protein pump inhibitors should not be used for extended time periods and only when necessary, as many are over prescribed and used indefinitely.

"A study found these drugs were very effective for treating reflux disease, with eight weeks of therapy with standard (once daily) dosing healing acid damage in more than 80% of patients."

Read more: //theconversation.com/how-safe-are-heartburn-medications-and-who-should-use-them-80809