Parker Waichman LLP

Long-Term Use of PPIs May Lead to Dependency

Long-Term Use of PPIs May Lead to Dependency Long-Term Use of PPIs. Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix and other stomach acid reducers that belong to a class of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) could lead to dependency if taken at prescription strength over an extended period of time, new research suggests. According to a report […]

Long-Term Use of PPIs May Lead to Dependency

Long-Term Use of PPIs. Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix and other stomach acid reducers that belong to a class of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) could lead to dependency if taken at prescription strength over an extended period of time, new research suggests.

According to a report on Medicinenet.com, researchers at Copenhagen University have found that healthy adults without symptoms of acid reflux who took PPIs developed symptoms of the disorder when they stopped taking them after 8 weeks.

The study, which was published in the journal Gastroenterology, involved 120 healthy adults.  According to Medicinenet.com, half of the subjects took 40 milligram doses of Nexium for 8 weeks, and a placebo for the final four weeks of the trial.  The other half took a placebo for the entire 12 weeks.

At the beginning of the trial, participants in both groups reported similar gastrointestinal  symptoms.  But in weeks 9 through 12, 44% of those who had been taking Nexium reported increased symptoms, while in the placebo-only group, only 15% reported increased symptoms.

By the end of the 12 week trial, despite being off Nexium for four weeks, 22% of those in that group still reported symptoms, while less than 2% in the placebo only group were reporting similar symptoms.

All study participants did report that symptoms had stopped three months after Nexium treatment

According to the researchers, all study participants did report that symptoms had stopped three months after Nexium treatment had ended.

According to Medicinenet.com, the researchers theorized that this “rebound”  effect was likely a response to the acid suppression caused by Nexium that  resulted in an overproduction of the stomach acid-stimulating hormone gastrin. The effect  likely lasts between four weeks and three months, they said.

Despite this effect, the researchers said that the benefits of PPIs outweigh the risks for those who need them.  However, according to Medicinenet.com, they expressed concern that the drugs are being overprescribed, and said doctors need to be more selective about how PPIs are prescribed.

PPIs are taken by millions of people – according to Medicinenet.com, it is estimated that 5% of adults in developed countries take the acid-reducing drugs.   But PPIs have been the subject of safety concerns.

As we’ve reported previously, a recent Canadian study of PPIs and osteoporosis-related fractures revealed a link between long-term PPI use and increased risk for hip, wrist, or spine fractures.

We also reported in May  that Plavix  users were warned by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) to avoid PPIs following stent implantation because the combination increases the risks for heart attack (by 70 percent), stroke (48 percent), and other cardiovascular problems (repeat heart procedures by 35 percent).

And most recently, we reported on a Canadian study that found a connection between  routine prescription of PPIs during hospitalizations and  an increased risk—30 percent—of acquiring pneumonia.

Need Legal Help Regarding PPIs?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations.
For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

Our Proton Pump Inhibitor class action law firm is here to help you when you need it the most.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
The attention that we got was very appreciated. We have been bounced around before and felt like we didn’t matter. Mathew and the entire Parker Waichman team made us feel like family.
Erika Houston
7 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman did a fine job with my case. In particular, my paralegal Christina Morace was fantastic, always helpful , communicative and supportive.
Jonathan Steinberg
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I had a great experience with Tina and Gina working relentlessly on my fathers 911 case. They were attentive to my questions and concerns will making sure all documentation was submitted correctly in a timely manner. It has been a pleasure having them lead my family and I to victory in the precious memory of my father. May God continue to bless them!!
Robin Holland
2 weeks ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038