Popular heartburn medications linked to higher risk of stroke

[Redmaxx 740]

I just ran across this article this morning. I am on Omeprazole for heartburn.

(CNN) - Sometimes, solving one problem only creates another.

Millions of Americans take proton pump inhibitors to treat acid reflux and heartburn. Known as PPIs, they are among the most prescribed drugs in the United States and are widely available over the counter.

But according to preliminary research presented today at an American Heart Association conference in New Orleans, these medications may also increase the risk of ischemic stroke.

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They occur when a blood clot cuts off blood flow to the brain.

"PPIs have been associated with unhealthy vascular function, including heart attacks, kidney disease and dementia," said Dr. Thomas Sehested, the study's lead author and a researcher at the Danish Heart Foundation. "We wanted to see if PPIs also posed a risk for ischemic stroke, especially given their increasing use in the general population."

Most serious warning yet

The research was conducted in Denmark among a quarter-million patients who suffered from stomach pain and indigestion, and were taking one of four PPIs: Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid or Nexium.

Overall stroke risk increased 21% among patients who were taking a PPI, according to the study. At the lowest doses, the authors found either no or minimal increased risk of stroke. At the highest doses, they found that stroke risk increased 33% for Prilosec and Prevacid patients, 50% for Nexium patients and 79% for Protonix patients.

In an email to CNN, P&G, the company that makes Prilosec, said the drug is an "FDA approved, safe and effective remedy to relieve frequent heartburn symptoms. Prilosec OTC has the longest history of safe and effective consumer use of any [over the counter] PPI."

Takeda, the maker of Prevacid, said it could not comment on the results and conclusions of the study until the full data is published for review. "Patient safety is a top priority ... and we continuously monitor the safety of all our medicines and collaborate with regulatory agencies to ensure this information is reflected in the respective prescribing information," a spokesman said in an email to CNN.

AstraZeneca, the maker of Nexium, said, "Patient safety is an important priority ... and we believe all of our PPI medicines are generally safe and effective when used in accordance with the label." A spokeswoman said the company was not consulted during the research, so it could not comment on the data.

Pfizer, the maker of Protonix, did not respond to CNN's request for comment.

"At one time, PPIs were thought to be safe, without major side effects," Sehested said. "This study further questions the cardiovascular safety of these drugs."

For years, doctors have questioned whether too many people are taking heartburn drugs.

A pair of 2010 studies found that PPIs were associated with an increased risk of a serious bacterial infection. Stomach acid seems to play a role in killing off both good and bad bacteria in our gut. When someone is taking PPIs, their amount of stomach acid is reduced, and it creates an environment in which bacteria can flourish.

"As a culture, we tend to want a pill to deal with our problems, when a lot of people could reduce their heartburn by eating smaller meals, drinking less alcohol or not smoking," Dr. Michael Katz, who wrote an editorial accompanying the studies, told CNN in 2010.

In April, another study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that patients who took PPIs had a 96% increased risk of kidney failure and a 28% increased risk of kidney disease, compared with those who were prescribed alternative medications.

What are the alternatives?

Medical professionals estimate that the majority of people who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn could drastically or completely reduce their discomfort by making a few lifestyle changes: quit smoking, lose weight and cut back on spicy and fatty foods.

If your doctor determines that you do need pills for your problem, pharmacist NaaDede Badger-Plange suggests starting with an antacid, such as Tums, Rolaids or Maalox.

"Antacids usually would help if you have less than one incident a week," Badger-Plange said. "So, if you have heartburn very rarely -- especially people who have heartburn associated with certain foods -- they could take antacids."

Antacids provide quick relief, but only for a short amount of time, said Badger-Plange, and consumers should pay close attention to the ingredients on the label. If you're pregnant, you should avoid sodium bicarbonate and magnesium trisilicate. Patients with kidney disease should avoid antacids that contain aluminum.

For longer-lasting relief, H2 antagonist medications (also called H2 blockers) are also an option, but they can take a few hours to kick in.

"One thing to keep in mind is, certain products that are in the H2 receptor antagonist class have drug interactions," Badger-Plange said. "So, if you have a lot of medications, you probably want to check with your pharmacist at the counter to make sure it's OK to take those medications."

As always, you should talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any medication -- prescribed or over the counter.

For years, Katz has been worried that PPIs "reinforce the idea that the solution to behavioral health issues is to take a pill, and that's just not how we're going to get healthier," he said in 2010. "Consumers need to ask their doctors, 'Why am I taking this? Do I still need this? Do I have an alternative?' "

Copyright 2016 by CNN NewSource. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/health/popular-heartburn-medications-linked-to-higher-risk-of-stroke

[WhtWdUGive620 58]

Thank you so much for this information. I had never previously taken anything for acid reflux since I've never experienced it at this level. Your information put me at ease since I'm taking famotidine, it really does help. Thankfully I only have to take it a few times a week now

Sent from my LG-H740 using the BariatricPal App

[Redmaxx 740]

One of my friends on FB said that Apple Cider Vinegar is a replacement for these pills. Anyone else use vinegar?

[ppressey24 254]

Yes, this is true. Ive been taking it for 3yrs. When i read that it could cause a stroke, i stopped taking it and my dr just told me to take zantex, it does the samething. But you can best believe ive kept my bottles and if i ever have a stroke, somebody gonna hear from it.

Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

[Frustr8 7,886]

And oh isn't THIS COMFORTING! I BELIEVE THEY PUT EVERY MAN JACK,ON THIS STUFF as soon as we gave surgery.

[MarinaGirl 609]

The health risks with PPIs seems to be with long term use. Taking them for 3-6 months after bariatric surgery is pretty low risk and will help with healing.

The big issue is that people with GERD/reflux often take them for much longer in lieu of working with a gastroenterologist to determine & treat root cause.

I think anyone with pre-existing GERD should have RNY instead of VSG as gastric bypass will often resolve it; whereas VSG often worsens or causes GERD. Therefore, if people have VSG they should be prepared to revise to RNY if they develop GERD post-op, instead of just taking PPIs for life.