Effects From Strong Heartburn And GERD Medication

Heartburn And GERD Medication, Heartburn And GERD Treatment Medincines Feedbacks Side Effects

If you have been on medication to treat chronic heartburn or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), then you are probably taking more than just OTC or over-the-counter, non-prescription drugs.

The latest GERD medication to be introduced to the market in the middle of the 80s is the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Their main objective is to stop a stomach acid pump from producing more acid. They are also used on patients with ulcers and duodenum, including inflammation.

PPIs have been getting very good feedback in terms of safety, and one of the first PPIs to be introduced, the generic drug, omeprazole, has been made available as an OTC drug for several years now.

There was a little doubt as to the use of omeprazole over an extended period of time, but results show that any gastric carcinoids that have developed because of this drug have been found to be non-cancerous.

There are however ill effects from using PPIs on a regular basis. One is the low vitamin B12 level and in some patients, an iron deficiency. To counter these two ill effects, one must start compensating by taking iron rich food, and vitamin B12 supplements. Also, you should go in for a check up at least once a year whether or not you feel weak or experience shortness of breath.

Another side effect of using PPIs regularly is diarrhea which could develop into an infectious disease. This is because bacteria is allows to stay in the stomach longer than it should, and even start to multiply and grow. This is especially dangerous with elderly patients since they are less prone to fight the bacteria and infection.

For patients over 50 years old, it is also a possibility for hip fractures to happen to them as a result of taking PPI regularly.

There is also a need to be cautious about taking other drugs, even herbal together with PPIs because of possible side effects. It is always recommended that you discuss your options with your doctor. Most often small doses of herbal supplements will not interfere with the use of PPIs.

There are other minor side effects but do not affect more than 3% of the population using PPIs. These are headaches, rashes, dizziness, and constipation. If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or diagnosed with a liver condition, you should stay away from PPIs as much as possible. Although there are no real cases of ill effects when taking PPIs under these conditions, it does not necessarily mean that they are safe. This is because there is still a lack of scientific study on these, and it is always better to stick to the safe and sure, than to experiment untested waters, especially if there is a baby involved.