Long-Term Use of PPIs May Lead to Dependency

Long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium may lead to dependency, as a study from Copenhagen University suggests. Healthy adults developed acid reflux symptoms after stopping PPIs, indicating a "rebound" effect due to increased gastrin production. While symptoms ceased three months post-treatment, researchers caution against overprescription. Despite benefits for those in need, PPIs are linked to risks such as fractures and increased cardiovascular issues when combined with Plavix. The study highlights the need for careful prescription practices.

Long-Term Use of PPIs May Lead to Dependency

Long-Term Use of PPIs. Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix and other stomach acid reducers that belong to a class of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) could lead to dependency if taken at prescription strength over an extended period of time, new research suggests.

According to a report on Medicinenet.com, researchers at Copenhagen University have found that healthy adults without symptoms of acid reflux who took PPIs developed symptoms of the disorder when they stopped taking them after 8 weeks.

The study, which was published in the journal Gastroenterology, involved 120 healthy adults.  According to Medicinenet.com, half of the subjects took 40 milligram doses of Nexium for 8 weeks, and a placebo for the final four weeks of the trial.  The other half took a placebo for the entire 12 weeks.

At the beginning of the trial, participants in both groups reported similar gastrointestinal  symptoms.  But in weeks 9 through 12, 44% of those who had been taking Nexium reported increased symptoms, while in the placebo-only group, only 15% reported increased symptoms.

By the end of the 12 week trial, despite being off Nexium for four weeks, 22% of those in that group still reported symptoms, while less than 2% in the placebo only group were reporting similar symptoms.

All study participants did report that symptoms had stopped three months after Nexium treatment

According to the researchers, all study participants did report that symptoms had stopped three months after Nexium treatment had ended.

According to Medicinenet.com, the researchers theorized that this “rebound”  effect was likely a response to the acid suppression caused by Nexium that  resulted in an overproduction of the stomach acid-stimulating hormone gastrin. The effect  likely lasts between four weeks and three months, they said.

Despite this effect, the researchers said that the benefits of PPIs outweigh the risks for those who need them.  However, according to Medicinenet.com, they expressed concern that the drugs are being overprescribed, and said doctors need to be more selective about how PPIs are prescribed.

PPIs are taken by millions of people – according to Medicinenet.com, it is estimated that 5% of adults in developed countries take the acid-reducing drugs.   But PPIs have been the subject of safety concerns.

As we’ve reported previously, a recent Canadian study of PPIs and osteoporosis-related fractures revealed a link between long-term PPI use and increased risk for hip, wrist, or spine fractures.

We also reported in May  that Plavix  users were warned by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) to avoid PPIs following stent implantation because the combination increases the risks for heart attack (by 70 percent), stroke (48 percent), and other cardiovascular problems (repeat heart procedures by 35 percent).

And most recently, we reported on a Canadian study that found a connection between  routine prescription of PPIs during hospitalizations and  an increased risk—30 percent—of acquiring pneumonia.

Need Legal Help Regarding PPIs?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

Our Proton Pump Inhibitor class action law firm is here to help you when you need it the most.

Free Consultation
Parker Waichman LLP
Are you inquiring about a new matter?
Please Describe the Details of Your Inquiry
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
4.8 from 549 Reviews

Client Reviews

Our law firm is ready to represent you in your injury case. We’ve helped many New York residents as well as those needing help nationwide. Contact our team for a free case consultation today.

I was pleased with how they handled my case from beginning to end. They were also very good with providing information and returning calls. Positive Professionalism
Daisy Figueroa
3 years ago
Great friendly staff lawyer always keep me updated about my case thank you so much Mr.Danny and your staff always called to check on me to see if I'm ok and if I'm feeling better they truly do care.
Nora Martinez
5 years ago
Parker Waichman LLP- Paralegal, Jessie Salcedo, she is professional and has been very helpful. I am a new mom and a newlywed so my life is very chaotic at times. Sometimes it's hard todo anything else but my basic day to day stuff. They have made this process very easy for me. All I've really had todo is provide some information and they have handled everything else. I greatly appreciate their services and would refer them to anyone. Also, they remembered my birthday this past September. They sent me a card. Most of my friends don't remember my birthday. To me, that was going out of their way just to brighten my day and I really appreciated it.
GunRivGen
6 years ago
My experience with Parker and Waichman firm was exceptional. Christina Morace answered all my questions and my concerns regarding my case. She was very supportive, compassionate and extremely professional. I recommend this firm to anyone who has suffered an injury or critical illness seeking legal assistance. Thank You, Melissa
Iris
4 years ago

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.