A GP has warned that anyone taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole should stop taking them as soon as it is safe to do so. Author and campaigner Dr Philippa Kaye says the reasons for stopping the common pills outweigh the reasons to keep taking them.
PPIs among most prescribed medications
PPIs are amongst the most commonly prescribed medications in the country, used to treat acid reflux, which affects more than six million people across the UK. The condition causes nausea, discomfort and chest pain as stomach acid rises towards the mouth - symptoms that PPIs are highly effective at relieving.
They are also routinely prescribed alongside other medicines, such as anti-inflammatories.
Long-term use concerns
Writing in the Daily Mail, Dr Kaye stated that PPIs were never intended for long-term use - yet 40% of patients 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."
The tablets have been associated with a heightened risk of broken bones, cancer, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, chronic kidney disease, infections and potentially dementia - yet around 10 million people in the UK currently take them.
How to manage acid reflux without medication
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.
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."
