An important alert to anyone taking a common type of medication for indigestion is on the NHS website. The health service advises people to take it “for as short a time as possible” to avoid long-term side effects.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are the most widely-prescribed medication used to treat indigestion, as well as heartburn and acid reflux. They significantly reduce stomach acid production by blocking the enyzmes in the stomach responsible for making acid. This helps relieve heartburn, acid reflux and protects the stomach from certain medications.
As reported by the Mirror, the NHS states: “PPIs are a type of medicine which reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. Having less acid can help ease the symptoms of indigestion. Indigestion is also known as heartburn, dyspepsia, or acid reflux. There are a number of PPIs available, for example, Omeprazole and Lansoprazole.”
The NHS urges anyone taking the medication to follow the guidance of their GP. Although it may depend on the severity of your condition, the health service advises patients not to take PPIs for any longer than needed.
The NHS explains: “PPIs are usually prescribed for four to eight weeks for indigestion symptoms. They should be taken for as short a time as possible to avoid long-term side effects.”
Potential side-effects of long-term use include an increased risk of infections in the bowel, primarily Clostridium Difficile, and lungs, including pneumonia. Long-term use can also lead to a reduction in the absorption of important vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, vitamin B12 and calcium.
People who use PPIs for a long time are also at increased risk of breaking bones in the hip, writs and spine. Meanwhile, some studies show there could be a link to a higher risk of chronic kidney disease.
However, some patients do require the long-term use of PPIs. They will usually be given varying doses by their GP as time goes on.
The NHS warns: “If indigestion does not go away after two to four weeks, you are vomiting for no obvious reason, have blood in your vomit, find it painful or difficult to swallow, are losing weight for no obvious reason or notice dark or black stool, contact your GP surgery as soon as you can, especially if you are 55 years or older.”
For anyone stopping PPI, or coming off them completely, the NHS advises: “Your dose of PPI may be changed by your GP practice to ensure that you are on the lowest dose possible for the least amount of time.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
