Acid reflux drugs - Silent killers

The drugs Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid and Protonix are called proton pump inhibitors. They can be used only for maximum of eight weeks continuously. It is written on the package too. Even though the doctors knew this they simply allow or encourage the patients to take it on a regular basis. Unfortunately no studies are done on the side effects it can cause on a long run. However we know there are potential side effects. The symptom relief does not rule out serious stomach conditions.

The most known side effects are headache, diarrhea and abdominal pain. As a whole body the effects are:

Enlarged abdomen, allergic reaction, asthenia, back pain, chest pain, chest pain substernal, facial edema, peripheral edema, hot flushes, fatigue, fever, flu-like disorder, generalized edema, leg edema, malaise, pain rigors;

Cardiovascular problems: flushing, hypertension, tachycardia;

Endocrine problems: goiter; Gastrointestinal bowel irregularity, constipation aggravated, dyspepsia, dysphagia, dysplasia GI, epigastric pain, eructation, esophageal disorder, frequent stools, gastroenteritis, GI hemorrhage, GI symptoms not otherwise specified, hiccup, melena, mouth disorder, pharynx disorder, rectal disorder, serum gastrin increased, tongue disorder, tongue edema, ulcerative stomatitis, vomiting;

Hearing problems of acid reflux drugs: earache, tinnitus; Hematologic problem: anemia, anemia hypochromic, cervical lymphoadenopathy, epistaxis, leukocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia; Hepatic problems: bilirubinemia, hepatic function abnormal, SGOT increased, SGPT increased;

Metabolic/Nutritional side effects of GERD drugs: glycosuria, hyperuricemia, hyponatremia, increased alkaline phosphatase, thirst, vitamin B12 deficiency, weight increase, weight decrease; Musculoskeletal problems: arthralgia, arthritis aggravated, arthropathy, cramps, fibromyalgia syndrome, hernia, polymyalgia rheumatica;

Nervous System/Psychiatric problems: anorexia, apathy, appetite increased, confusion, depression aggravated, dizziness, hypertonia, nervousness, hypoesthesia, impotence, insomnia, migraine, migraine aggravated, paresthesia, sleep disorder, somnolence, tremor, vertigo, visual field defect;

Reproductive side effects of acid reflux drugs: dysmenorrhea, menstrual disorder, vaginitis;

Respiratory problems: asthma aggravated, coughing, dyspnea, larynx edema, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis;

Skin and Appendages deseases: acne, angioedema, dermatitis, pruritus, pruritus ani, rash, rash erythematous, rash maculo-papular, skin inflammation, sweating increased, urticaria;

Special Senses problems: otitis me

Urogenital problems: abnormal urine, albuminuria, cystitis, dysuria, fungal infection, hematuria, micturition frequency, moniliasis, genital moniliasis, polyuria;

Visual Side Effects of acid reflux drugs: conjunctivitis, vision abnormal.

Endoscopic results which were reported as adverse events are: duodenitis, esophagitis, esophageal stricture, esophageal ulceration, esophageal varices, gastric ulcer, gastritis, hernia, benign polyps or nodules, Barrett's esophagus, and mucosal discoloration.

PPI drugs actually stop the proton pump, which produces stomach acids required for digestion. Human body requires this stomach acid for proper digestion and assimilation of food. It is an essential function of a human body.