Is This HeartBurn Medication Safe?

What are proton pump inhibitors?  Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) lower the amount of acid in the stomach.   They are meant for short-term use (less than 3 months).  When used longer than 3 months, they have been associated with serious problems.

• Decreased absorption of other important medications
• Broken bones and Osteoporosis
• Intestinal Infections
• Increased dementia (memory loss)
• Increased heart attacks
• Kidney disease (loss of kidney function)

How can I avoid these serious problems?  Because PPIs decrease the acid produced in the stomach, this usually decreases your enzyme production.  Because of this, they can reduce the amount of calcium and Vitamin D you absorb.  This could weaken your bones and cause them to break more easily. It is more likely if you are over 50, taking a high dose, or using a PPI for a year or more. Please make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet and/or from supplements. Calcium citrate is the best supplement for people taking PPIs.

Some drugs need acid in the stomach to work.  Ask your pharmacist if this is a problem with your other medications.

Some patients take a pancreatic enzyme and a probiotic to help prevent some of these problems.

How do I stop taking a PPI?  Please consult your pharmacist or prescriber about stopping the PPI.   If you stop your PPI all at once, you might have "rebound" heartburn symptoms. To avoid this, slowly decrease your PPI use over a week or more. During this time, an H2-blocker or antacid can be used if you have symptoms.

What else can I do to help prevent heartburn?

• Don’t eat two to three hours before bedtime
• Raise the head of your bed six inches (your entire bed frame, don't prop pillows under you)
• Maintain a healthy weight and quit smoking
• Avoid foods that seem to make it worse

How should I take a PPI?  If you take a PPI once a day, take it 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. If you take it twice a day, take the second dose 30 to 60 minutes before dinner. Your stomach makes acid when you eat. Taking the PPI before you eat stops extra acid from being made. The PPI also works better if taken on an empty stomach.

*RESULTS MAY VARY DEPENDING UPON STARTING POINT, GOALS, AND EFFORT. THE STATEMENTS ON THIS SITE HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA. THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.