Both IMA & FDA have issued a "Health Warning" on misuse of PPI drugs. If you or someone in your family is on these drugs, this article is a must read for you.
Health Warning on misuse of PPI drugs (Proton pump inhibitors), which include well-known brand names Ocid, Pantocid, Nexium, Rabicip-DSR etc., are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. Unfortunately inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors can cause a range of side effects and even harm to patients.
In a recent study published in Feb. 2019, patients who took PPIs were 28.4 times more likely to report chronic kidney disease, as well as acute kidney injury (4.2 times more likely), end-stage renal disease (35.5 times more likely) and unspecified kidney impairment (8 times more likely).
US-FDA has further said that PPI drugs may cause low serum magnesium levels if taken for prolonged periods of time. Low serum magnesium levels can result in serious adverse events including muscle spasm (tetany), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), and convulsions (seizures).
Overuse and inappropriate use of PPIs on a long term may also lead to fractures, infections (Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea), vitamin B12 deficiency, and cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus. PPIs are also associated with a 1.16-fold risk of myocardial infarction and a 2-fold increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.
Unfortunately some doctors overestimate the benefits and underestimate the potential harms, associated with substantial costs to healthcare providers. Moreover easy availability of such drugs without a proper prescription may lead to patients continuing them for a long time, often inappropriately & leading to side effects.
If you or someone in your family is taking any such drug since long, I urge you to consult your physician to review the need for these medicines, stop them if possible & use alternative approaches, if symptoms persists.