The long-term use of a number of heartburn drugs has been linked to silent kidney problems.
The results come in light of a recent study published in Kidney International.
Patients prescribed PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) such as Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, and others are generally told to stop after symptoms of kidney problems.
However, the new report suggests a significant number are being affected without knowing it.
The Research
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System analysed data from the Department of Veteran Affairs databases on 125,000 users of PPIs.
Their results show more than half of those who later developed chronic kidney damage and end-stage renal disease suffered no symptoms beforehand.
“Our results indicate kidney problems can develop silently and gradually over time.
Impaired kidney function and long-term kidney damage or even renal failure can go under the radar,” said Ziyad Al-Aly, MD.
Be Careful With PPI’s
“Patients should tell their doctor if they’re taking PPIs and to only use these drugs when necessary.”
It’s estimated up to 15 million Americans take PPIs for heartburn to reduce gastric acid.
“Doctors must pay careful attention to kidney function in their patients who use PPIs.
Even when there are no symptoms,” added Al-Aly.
“In general, we advise clinicians to evaluate whether PPI use is necessary in the first place.
These drugs have significant risks, including a deterioration of kidney function.”
One of the main difficulties with kidney disease is detecting it early enough.
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David L. Edwards is an author, Chinese medicine physician and acupuncturist. He is the author of The Body Fat Formula and The Pocketbook guide to Chinese medicine. David is the director of Barefoot Health and Wellness health programs.
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