A GP has advised anyone taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole to stop taking them as soon as they safely can. Author and campaigner Dr Philippa Kaye says the reasons for stopping the common pills outweigh the reasons to keep taking them.
Millions rely on PPIs for acid reflux
PPIs are among the most commonly prescribed medicines, used to treat acid reflux, which affects more than six million people in the UK. Acid reflux causes nausea, discomfort and chest pain as acid from the stomach rises towards the mouth - and is quickly stopped by PPIs. PPIs are also commonly prescribed alongside other medications, such as anti-inflammatories.
Writing in the Daily Mail, Dr Kaye said they were never designed to be taken long term - but 40% take them for at least a year, and 10% have been on them for more than five years. She said: "I now tell my patients to stop taking them as soon as possible."
Risks linked to long-term use
PPIs have been linked to an increase in broken bones, cancer, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, chronic kidney disease, infections and potentially dementia - but around 10 million people take them in the UK. Dr Kaye said: "For many patients the reasons for coming off PPIs far outweigh those for staying on them."
She said there are ways to control acid reflux without medication - including losing weight, avoiding large meals, avoiding eating close to bedtime and cutting down on alcohol, smoking, caffeine, chocolate, fatty food, spicy food and fizzy drinks. Even raising the head of your bed when you sleep will help.
Gradual withdrawal advised
Dr Kaye said: "It is important that patients do not come off the tablets suddenly, as this can make symptoms worse. Instead, patients should come off them gradually with the help of their GP."
She added that not everyone can ditch the drugs - including some taking anti-inflammatories. She said: "But for everyone else, my advice would be to get off them as soon as is safely possible."
