Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are well tolerated and effective. Despite the ever-increasing number of associations and the widespread media coverage the quality of the evidence linking PPIs to a wide range of serious adverse effects is very low. When PPIs are prescribed appropriately, the benefits greatly outweigh potential adverse effects. The study has been published in a reputed journal "Curr Opin Gastroenterol." The absolute risk to an individual is extremely low (less than 1 in 500) and fear of these risks should not dictate prescribing habits.
PPIs should be prescribed for patients with GERD, especially those with erosive esophagitis and strictures, as well as for patients at an increased risk for ulcer-related bleeding from NSAIDs, aspirin, and dual antiplatelet therapies. In those patients without a valid indication, PPIs should be discontinued. Most of the recent highly…
