Using the proton pump inhibitors for a long time can cause severe kidney diseases and damage. These are drugs that people easily turn to when they have ulcers, reflux and heartburn.
Researchers made an analysis of large patient data that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) held so as to come to this conclusion. Their report was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Glands found on the stomach lining usually produce stomach acid which the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce. This cannot be compared to the anti-acids that lower excess acids within the stomach.
Their common purpose is relieving acid reflux or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) – the condition in which stomach liquid or food moves up the food pipe or esophagus.
PPIs are applied in the treatment of stomach or peptic ulcers as well as the damage caused to the lower esophagus by the acid reflux. PPIs come in numerous names and brands. Most have an equal working although the side effects may vary. You can also get just over the counter without needing prescription.
The 2013 estimates show that 15 million Americans got the PPIs in that year. The researchers went on to explain that it is possible to have a higher number of people in the US using PPIs. That is basing on the fact that given types does not require prescription.
The common PPI types are dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), rabeprazole (AcipHex), l ansoprazole (Prevacid) and Zegerid (omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate).
heartburn medication: Kidney decline may occur in PPI users
The 5 years VA records was examined by the team. This comprised of 173,000 new PPI users and 20,000 new H2 receptor blockers users. The latter is type of drug that can be used to suppress stomach acid. They keenly observed the effect on the kidney.
From their analysis, they drove to the conclusion that the PPI users stood a higher chance to have their kidney decline than the patients who used H2 receptor blockers.
The usage of PPI has been linked to 28% of the increased risk of chronic kidney disease development and the 96% increased risk of kidney failure. This is in comparison to H2.
The researchers also observed that if the PPI duration was long, the risk of kidney problems went up. The conclusion is that using PPI for long term may harm the kidneys. You should avoid this.
The Senior author and a nephrologist of VA Saint Louis Health care system – Missouri, Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly says that the emphasis of the findings is to only use PPI when it is medically necessary and be keen not to use it for long.