Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

Your PPI's May Be Making You Sick

Taking proton pump inhibitors may come with added problems - a difficult to cure bacterial infection and/or bone fractures.

ProtonPump Inhibitors (PPI'S), the acid suppressing drugs known as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, and Aciphex were the third largest class of drug sales in 2009 with more than $13.6 billion in sales representing more than 110 million prescriptions.

While the drugs definitely have benefits for those with serious digestive problems, new research says the risks may outweigh the benefits for those with less serious conditions.

Michael Howell, MD, MPH, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, and lead author of a study presented in the May 10, 2010 Archives of Internal Medicine, says, "These medications definitely have benefits for a vast number of patients, but they may also carry some really meaningful risks of diseases that can be catastrophic. Every doctor should look at every patient and give them the lowest level of gastric acid suppression that they think is safe. For many people that would be none."

The studies found that PPI's increase the risk of infection from the bacterium Clostridum diffcile, a difficult to treat intestinal infection that seems to be protected against by stomach acid. This is the same acid that PPI's stop production of.

Another risk has long been documented: the risk of certain bone fractures, especially spine, forearm and wrist fractures, specifically in post menopausal women.

Michael Katz, MD, Director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health and author of an editorial that ran with the study results estimates that 30 - 40 percent of people taking PPI's need them for health problems such as ulcers and Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which excess acid has damaged the lining of the esophagus. But, Dr. Katz cautions, the remaining 60-70 percent take the drugs for heartburn and indigestion and probably don't really need them and should be trying to manage conditions by lifestyle changes. Dr. Katz's advice is that " Proton pump inhibitors 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. Consumers need to ask their doctors, Why am I taking this? Do I need this? Do I have an alternative?"

The medical community is generally in agreement on the three most important lifestyle changes for people with heartburn, and acid reflux disease: achieve and maintain a healthy weight, identify and eliminate your trigger foods, sleep elevated on an even plane while supported through the torso.

And, the FDA just issued a safety announcement revising the prescription and OTC labels for PPI's requiring them to include new safety information about the possible risk of fractures. Read the FDA comments on Acid Reflux Pills

Clinical Trials

For those of you interested in information on clinical trials you can go to http://www.clinicalconnection.com, click on find clinical trials, enter a keyword and you will be given a list of trials. You can modify the list by zip code if you wish. Currently, there are at least 10 trials throughout the country that focus on GERD. You can also find trials and information at http://www.fda.gov.

Gerd And Exercise

To prevent heartburn after eating, especially a large or reflux unfriendly meal, take a walk. Exercise can help prevent meal induced heartburn. If you don't want to walk, at the least, avoid slouching or lying down so as to avoid putting pressure on your stomach.

If you experience heartburn after a rigorous workout, the Mayo Clinic and the American Gastroenterological Association have some suggestions: avoid high impact exercises such as running and kickboxing. Also avoid exercises that put extra pressure on the stomach such as crunches and sit-ups.

Please keep the emails and phone calls coming to customerservice@medslant.com and 1.800.346.1850. I love hearing from you.

Wishing you a good night's sleep,

Adele


Customer Feedback

"I have recommended the MedSlant pillow to many who suffer from acid reflux. I've had acid reflux for many years and was extremely worried about getting Barrett's Esophagus, or worse, esophageal cancer. I had an upper endoscopy and the gastroenterologist recommended sleeping on a slanted pillow. The MedSlant pillow has changed my life! I no longer wake up with a burning, sore throat and have see a remarkable difference in my acid reflux. I can't imagine life without my MedSlant pillow. Thank you!" Liz P, OR

The MedSlant wedge pillow helps relieve the symptoms of Acid Reflux, heartburn, GERD, acid indigestion, sinus congestion, Gastroesophogeal Reflux, etc. for a healthier, more restful good night's sleep. The content providedhere is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician(s). Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.



Back to Newsletters