Can Proton Pump Inhibitors Be Dangerous?

[@maureenchevalier3751]

I was on Prevacid for years. Earlier this year, my doctor had me gradually cut down use until I got off of it. He is really good at staying on top of new info (reads a lot of med journals etc) He saw a seminar on complications/side effects of these types of meds and was concerned enough to try and get his patients off of them. He switched me to Famotidine. I live in Canada and its difficult to get a family doc. I'm so blessed to have a really good, thorough doc for the past 27 yrs. ❤

[@6mdollarman281]

I've been on PPIs for years now. Dexilant was the optimal treatment for me... I was diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus in 2018 and now need to be checked every couple of years to make sure it hasn't progressed to cancerous cells. Can you please do an episode on Barrett's? I'd love to hear your take.

[@Joy21090]

YES to a Barret's video!

[@susanaustman543]

Me also. If I miss one day of Dexilant I suffer for it. The Barrett’s is concerning too.

[@6mdollarman281]

@@susanaustman543 if I go a day or two without, I can hardly drink water... It's so terrible... I'm 46 and have dealt with GERD since I was 10. That's a lot of damage happening..

[@marye.williams6692]

@@Joy21090

[@malekodesouza7255]

I was prescribed 40mg of Omeprazole for chronic GERD after an upper GI endoscopy. I took it for a month and symptoms improved, along with “lifestyle changes”. My GI advised I “wean ” off them; take a pill every other day for two weeks, then every third day for two weeks. Symptoms have improved but like I said, lifestyle/diet changes were also implemented as I didn’t want to take it long term.

[@bmar740]

What do you guys think about H2-blockers like Pepcid/Famotidine?

[@ernstangelique]

Iv been taking famotidine for a couple months now. Was taking ppi’s for a very long time. I will say I had to take a lot more of the famotidine. I take Gaviscon for break through heartburn. In August they removed over 15 gastric polyps. Doc said they were most likely caused by long term use of ppi’s.

[@riverbender9898]

Thank you Gents! I've been on Pantaprozole for about 10 years and I have Stage 3 Kidney disease. I will now talk to my doctor about some changes.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

At least worth a conversation

[@shad6519]

@@riverbender9898 is this the side effects of Pantoprazole. Thanks 🙏

[@riverbender9898]

@@shad6519 Sure sounds like it may be a factor.

[@PapasDino]

I used 40mg Nexium daily for a number of years without overt side effects. During my last EGD my Gastro doc talked me into changing over to Famotidine (Pepcid) instead which I have done successfully surprisingly without any problem. I was reluctant at first but after seeing the polyps she told me that if I continued she wouldn't be able to discern which one might be "angry" and thus cancerous. So now I take 3 doses per day which is one downside but at the end of the day I think it's worth it. Also plan to see if I can reduce that dosage as well. We'll redo the EDG next year to see what the impact of quitting the PPI drug has been. Thanks as usual guys!

[@dregeminin1]

Lots of great information. Thanks!!!

[@acarroll]

I took PPIs daily from 1998 to 2008 as directed by my GI doctor. In 2008, while investigating some other health issues, it was discovered that I had significant bone loss for my age. I immediately came off of them and discovered after the initial rebound, I really didn't need them at all! But now I have to deal with the bone loss.

[@wotan10950]

Yikes, I’ve been taking one Prevacid a day for years. I’ve tried to stop, but then I get terrible reflux. Changed my diet, never eat past 6pm, but it didn’t help much. I’d occasionally get esophageal spasms, which are more painful than a heart attack (and I’ve had two of those). Room temperature seltzer helps somewhat.

[@rogerlewis1295]

I was diagnosed with, treated with surgery and now cancer-free (esophageal cancer) in 2016, and placed on Protonix 40mg x 2/day. I have not experienced GERD for maybe 12 years when I weighed 90# more than today and drank a significant amount of alcohol, which I have not consumed for five years. I have expressed the concerns that you outlined. My annual cancer surveillance EGD was in September and I asked again about discontinuing the medication but was advised by my gastroenterologist to continue the Rx. I’ve had no changes to my esophagus-duodenum since being proclaimed cancer-free.

[@tuxbanjo]

I went to an Orthopod for back pain, and he put me on 1800 mg of Ibuprofen per day for two weeks. That protocol destroyed my esophagus, giving me a very painful case of GERD. My PCP put me on Protonix for a year. It took that long for the GERD to resolve. I was in agony, but the Protonix saved my life. I do not normally suffer from GERD. It was the Ibup that caused it, so I stay away from Ibup as much as possible.

[@DrSteveQatar]

Interesting, was prescribed Nexium 6 years ago with preventative blood thinning medicine (Aspirin and Anti-platelet) because of previous DVT, few side effects. Thanks for this informative video, I will discuss use with Dr as kidney function had dropped over the same period. Found great NHS flowchart for de prescribing PPI’s based on risk factors.

[@Joy21090]

Just started PPI once/day because just DXed with Barrett's Esophagus.

[@mammastreed5070]

So much good information! I just had to start taking this for silent GERD with chronic cough. It really helped! It took about a month to clear things up but my cough is finally gone. I had heard there is an infant form of this med. Might this be a good alternative? I don’t take it every day but pop one occasionally. I have a history of (antibiotic induced) C-dif and am whole food plant based so many of the nutrient issues and C-dif are always on my radar. Thanks for another great video!

[@robinjones6999]

Ive got a hiatus hernia so a PPI holiday is out the question

[@jant4741]

Rough but there’s surgery for that. Eat normal sized meals and digest is sweet.

[@cherylsmith2345]

Totally understand. I’m not a candidate for surgery and have weak swallows so a lifer on the PPI. I am aware of the side effects, only pill I take at age 64. 🤷‍♀️

[@charleskra]

Me too. I tried to get off Omeprozole and failed. It doesn't matter what my diet is, since it's a mechanical issue. My Gastro Dr. said not to worry, it's better than developing throat cancer.

[@jegreen4227]

Great info!!! Thanks for the great information

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TorgerVedeler]

So now that you’ve scared the heck out of me, I have to ask, is Famotidine safe? My doctor gave it to me for occasional use for heartburn.

[@garyr2697]

My doc prescribed ppi’s for the reflux I was experiencing in which I took for about 3 weeks and found that they were not the most dynamic way to heal this issue. With that in my research I found Slippery Elm which has been around for many years. I made a nightly Slippery Elm tea just before bedtime as not to interfere with my daily medications. Slippery Elm coats your throat, stomach, and intestines with a muscilage to help the healing process. I did this for two weeks which took care of the reflux and have used it a few times since. Slippery Elm is not for everyone however it works for me. Slippery Elm has quite a history as native Americans taught us newcomers how to use it as it has many uses.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Interesting

[@marysinclair1214]

My doctor once prescribed me a prescription for PPI I took it for about a week and threw it out. The side effects were not something I felt comfortable with. The odd time I take a Nexium if I'm having a bad episode. Which is usually my fault for eating the wrong thing before bed or eating too late before bed. Most doctors want to give you a pill to fix things. We need to take charge of our own health. If you're not going to exercise and eat properly expect to spend your senior years on a lot of pills.

[@Hassingerjeff]

Great information as always, much appreciated guys

[@Kiss__Kiss]

FYI: #5 "Gastric Cancer" spelling error.. Thanks for doing your advisory work, Docs..

[@terribock8925]

I’ve been on these meds since 2010. I had anti reflux surgery but unfortunately it slipped early on. I’m having success right now with my diet and have weaned myself from everyday taking a PpI to every other day and substituting with an h2 blocker. Although just recently had to go back on every day.. I went off of my alkaline diet and indulged for too long. I’m going to try again and try and get off these things!!

[@pintsizestories196]

What about a possible increased risk of dementia because of nutrient deficiencies?

[@markbellas4996]

Never wrote a comment before. This is timely. Was on 20mg Omeprazole x2 day for 3 months. Started having left side kidney pain. Had history of kidney issues as a kid. Came back when I was 30. Now 60 thought it was coming back. Was taking a leak 3-4 times a night. Went to urologist, had mri. Showed nothing. Coincidentally at 60 time for colonoscopy and endo. Endo found hiatal hernia. Doc upped dose to 40 mg x2 day. My kidney pain worsened and started on other side too. Went off OME and on Tagamet 200 MG’s and kidney pain gone in a few days.

[@Deanna1783]

My husband has always been a fit, athletic man who eats very well. He had an issue with acid reflux though, so was put on a ppi and was kept on it for 4 years non stop. One day he had an accident on his snowmobile and had to have his leg xrayed, and was then referred for a dexa scan due to concerns about the xray. Turns out he had fairly advanced osteopenia as a man in his 50s. I did the research for why he might have it, and all we could come up with was the ppi. I told him to go off of it and now it has been a few years since his first dexa scan. He just had another one last week and we are waiting on the results to see if going off of the ppi has stopped the progression of his osteopenia.

[@mkpears]

Thank you for bringing this up ! My Canadian Dr. says I'll have to take it for the rest of my life, with no warning about any of the side-effects you mention ...which is something I am not happy about, and not sure I want to do. So what gives ? I've also seen a risk to dementia due to PPIs.

[@misskitty2133]

I didn’t think of the nutritional component!

[@mbh4097]

I stopped them when I found out they soften the bones. So I went on the keto/intermittent fasting diet and the heartburn cleared up.

[@elainehignett3840]

What are the risks of using heartburn remedies like gaviscon long term?

[@RustyFinch]

Took them for 20 years. Stopped cold turkey when I went keto. 2 years later still don’t take any…not even tums.

[@omhomelin]

My doctor put me on PPI’s for 3 months b/c of acid reflux cough- she told me none of these things - wow

[@twopoolpeople]

OMG! Call me Mr. Stomach Acid! I've been on Omeprazole 40mg or PROmeprazole 40mg for 24 years. Now I'm also on Pepcid twice daily in addition to PROmeprazole. I still HAVE to watch my diet. I'm 73 and feel like a baby with my food selection. I don't drink, don't smoke (I do curse!), don't over eat and don't eat late. My food and snack selection is smaller than what I can eat. On my last visit my doctor mentioned that maybe we should consider my meds.

[@SA-fy3je]

Thank you for what you doing. Can you please make a video about raw honey. Thank you!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Will add to the list

[@SA-fy3je]

@ thank you!

[@cris_miko]

I have Barrets Esophagus and have been on PPI since that diagnosis 4 years ago. I tried to stop but GERD was bad. I have a friend who takes a charcoal capsule whenever she knows she will consume foods that can upset her. I'm wondering if that would help me. I wish my doctor was more holistic.

[@DavidHester-im2of]

I was able to get off of this drug for good after a lot changes to my life style . But thank goodness it was available when I was burping up acid into my esophagus and was wondering if I was going to get my breath back. Hey try some DGL and apple cider vinegar they may help.😊

[@bw6078]

I had been on PPIs for roughly 30 years till 5 years ago. I'm six feet tall and always been 165-175lbs, no never overweight. 64 years old now. I never took PPIs for gas but took them to help me keep my food down. I've always eaten relatively clean but during some meals half way through them I would feel like something is caught in my throat and get sick. Then my tummy would empty everything. The PPIs helped keep me from vomiting. Now that I'm off them I still have issues but have found ways to work my way through the meal to keep everything down.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad to hear that.

[@intherockies]

Things a person can try to help: *Eat smaller meals *Lose weight if overweight *After eating do not lay down for 2 hours *Put blocks of wood (or something similar) under your bed frame at the head of your bed this will elevate your head/chest higher than your stomach. *Limit spicy foods or any specific food that you notice is causing an increase in heartburn *Don't wear tight clothing around your stomach/waist *After checking with your physician..try a home remedy such as baking soda mixed with water, or try Ginger, or ripe bananas. ***Like the doctors stated, don't stop your meds without talking to your doctor. Remember ALL over the counter herbs, vitamins, and other home remedies can interfer with other meds you are taking or cause problems with your current health issues so talk to your doctor first.

[@greyhoundgirl9726]

I’m on a lot of pepsid every day and really don’t think it does much. I still take tums all the time and frequently through the night. I had life threatening GERD about 20 years ago and had a nissen done, after I aspirated and almost couldn’t breathe, which was great for about 15 years. I’m almost back to where I was pre nissen.

[@dabbsie100]

I was so many but then good ole TUMS helps a lot.

[@carriehollyland3596]

Can u do a video about cervical scoliosis and or spondylolisthesis? I see a lot of videos about it in the back, but not as many of it in the neck.

[@EM-kq7lg]

@talkingwithdocs Can PPI's cause Lactose Intolerance? If so, why? Thanks!

[@BionicMilkaholic]

I don't know any medical stuff to back this up, just personal experience. I've been on protonix for 15 years, and, will just look at my user name. I am a milkaholic! (The bionic part is due the amount of metal I have had put in my legs. Broken leg as kid and knee replacements due to my knees being misaligned.) I am just as lactose dependent as always.

[@avro66]

been on them for over twenty years,perhaps i need to get off them,no problems with stomach ulcers etc.

[@RonsonDalby]

So have I although last year my GP cut my dose from 40mg to 20mg. I’ve asked the doc several times if I can could stop taking it but he is insistent that I continue.

[@jackmason4374]

@@RonsonDalby I cut down to 20mg every two days

[@lindacoffin5110]

Helpful.

[@LizzyMom]

I have severe erosive reflux as well as biliary (bile duct) reflux. The former can be marginally influenced through diet changes, but the latter is a structural effect and diet changes have zero effect. Been taking 40 mg pantoprezole for years; GP recommended trying to stop and I ended up with problems in swallowing (dysphasia) which often resulted in vomiting food that hadn’t even made it all the way down to my stomach. After an upper GI, my gastroenterologist said the erosion was worse and not healing: “I am the expert in this area, not your GP - in your case the usual recommendations on pausing are creating more damage.” I try to do weight bearing exercise to help with bone density, but am resigned to continuing meds for both gastric and biliary reflux for the foreseeable future.

[@andrewh7599]

Stopping PPI's was one of the craziest things I ever did. Depression, anxiety, terrible rebound reflux. No one should use those things. Plus they're linked to Alzheimers.

[@Value1lady]

So how did u control your acid reflux?

[@circa1890]

​@@Value1ladyI control mine with 2tbls apple cider vinegar (with the Mother) in 3cups of water every morning on an empty stomach. Takes about a week to kick in but now no more heart burn.

[@ToddMartinsky]

These are the worst things for your health. You have to fix your diet. Betain HCL and apple cider vinear with meals elminated my reflux disease. A large salad everyday was also key.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

They have their issues for sure. Thanks for sharing

[@Piperloumeditation]

I’ve been taking for years I needed it I changed diet and raised my bed and time of eating I can’t go off this. I probably won’t .

[@leatherindian]

Taking them for 30+ years. Unable to get off them due to other meds that upset my stomach.

[@jimthebutcher99]

I have quit alcohol, coffee, butter, dark chocolate, greasy food, hot food, I have quit all the foods on the list. I have been in for 3 scopes. They doubled my dose up to twice a day. There is no way I can quit it.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sorry to hear that

[@jimthebutcher99]

@@TalkingWithDocs I really enjoyed your talk though. Lots of good information.

[@burlington86]

My son has been on PPIs for years due to hiatal hernia and esophageal ulcers. He tried to take a break but ended up having extremely painful reflux. Got right back on the medication. How do you get off these drugs ? He takes Omeprazole.

[@maggiegarber246]

I never had heartburn. I was surprised when I found I had Barrett’s esophagus. I have taken a ppi for years. I wish I had never started. Even though my gastroenterologist doesn’t agree with it…I am not taking them every day. I still don’t get heartburn. It’s the bone fracture threat that I don’t like. I do have osteopenia but near to osteoporosis. That’s why I have cut back.

[@3cardmonty602]

I tried weening myself off, but kept battling heartburn and just didn’t feel good overall. I’ve been on them for 24 years now. My late Uncle died of esophageal cancer and it’s not a way you want to die.

[@miamired1]

After 20 years of needing NSAID's, it has wreaked havoc on my stomach. With understandably doctors rarely prescribing narcotics, I feat I have exhausted options for pain relief without the risks of Nexium or similar.

[@Karim-so9jc]

I found a dose of antifungal reduced my acid reflux severity

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Interesting

[@bertschuh5720]

What about Famotidine, which is not a PPI? Would it have less side effects? I mostly just take a Tums or 2 if I get heartburn, and occasionally a Pepxid AC

[@44Mag]

I had bypass surgery, a stint and a pacemaker put in. My Cardiologist prescribed Pantoprazole (40mg) for me about 12 years ago. I have asked him if there was any problems with taking it so long, but he basically shrugged it off? Should I stop taking it and see how I do with the Gerds? Thanks

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Worth a chat with your family doctor. Sounds like you have been doing ok on it thus far. Best of luck

[@patbrick7150]

Can you do a video on the effects of taking Cymbalta long term and trying to get off? I’ve tried everything to stop taking it but can’t handle the side effects so I just keep taking it.

[@Flysfloss9146]

A few years ago I tried several PPIs for gut problems, all of them caused nausea qnd cramping. Not only that they upped my appetite , I was hungry all the time in ways I hadn’t been for years. So far I’ve regained 16 lbs of the 40 I had lost. Turned out I was allergic to the oatmeal I had been eating daily 😮. The gut problems went away when I gave it up, but the increased appetite remained even tho I had stopped the PPIs.

[@Iranian20242]

Thank you for your valuable efforts to help improve our health. Could you please speak a bit more slowly? I'm not a native English speaker. Sincerely Shad, Iran

[@RustyFinch]

Slow down the speed of the video…

[@Iranian20242]

@RustyFinch I always reduce the playback speed, but the sound quality decreases.

[@margaretfrise8047]

Is famotidine safer?

[@THaughton]

Was on PPI's fairly long-term for some significant acid reflux. Took forever to successfully wean off of them because of course of the lovely rebound effect when you stop. Was prescribed another drug (Fosomax) which further exacerbated the situation with the acid reflux and so I had to go back on them. Now I take them sparingly as needed. Have found of all things natural Greek yogurt has helped quite a bit. Complete accident as I had never heard of its potential positive effects in that direction but it has been a godsend. I'm sure my gut flora was not in the greatest shape and my pH balance was not where it was supposed to be. Whoda thunk it. 🤔

[@ChrisM541]

Damn, I've just gone from 15mg Lansoprazole to 30mg because of increased stress at the moment. Been taking them for many years too. Will need to seriously look at lifestyle choices again - I could do a lot better with food, weight and fitness. Improvements here should help with everything, including that stress. Easier said than done though.

[@sherrydowns4052]

my son has been on brand name Nexium for over 25 years after going through all the other meds and still having a strep throat type effect from the acid. he has tried every other acid medicine, including generic Nexium, which does not work at all. Generic is NOT the same as Brand name Nexium, and OTC is not the same. luckily he has no side effects and a very clear endoscopy and colonoscopy!

[@iankilbey2524]

Have the docs or anyone tried linx “necklace” or Reflux stop which is being trialled in London?

[@Woketilyerbroke]

What about if you take it to protect your stomach from opioids ??? Is this a reason to take these ? My nurse practitioner prescribed me them but she’s terrible she prescribed antibiotics too long they were toxic to my liver so o got liver disease now biliary choliangitis .

[@sylviaestrada9257]

What about lupus? Omeprazole and lupus please

[@staceynoffke]

I've been taking Prilosec OTC for a couple years now. Could this be why I keep getting infections? The doctors think they're UTI's but I don't have any UTI symptoms, I just get really sick!

[@iAMJM27]

What if your Hiatial hernia is just 1-2 cm (0.787 inches) should you still take PPI?

[@dirkdiggler5581]

I got a gastritis type C. Apparently because no one knows what it causes it and there’s no bacteria and I’ve been on pantropo something for 3 months now and it helps with the symptoms but Imma try to go on a holiday after this video or try 20 instead of 40mg first

[@robinabner3118]

I have to take omeprazolem before I take ibuprofen . Drs won't give me celebrex which doesnt bother me at all. The ibuprofen gives me esophageal crushing pain.

[@kunibob2]

Been on PPIs for years due to Crohn's-related upper GI pain, and was also on prednisone for 2 years a while back, and now I'm beginning to see why innocently slipping on a hardwood floor gave me a triple-comminuted trimalleolar ankle break with talus dislocation. 💀 I should probably get a bone density scan, huh? Also now that I have an ileostomy and no colon, am I pretty much screwed for B12 absorption? Maybe it's time to get some blood tests done.

[@BionicMilkaholic]

My whole family is on PPIs now. I think there's got to be genetic components to who needs this. No one eats anything spicier that the regular nacho cheese Doritos. My sister has had a coke to drink in over 5 years, but her heart burn was getting worse. My dad has Barrett's and my brother has Crohn's. If I don't take protonix at night, that night isn't bad. The next evening and following day will be misery, even if I just took it 6 hours late.

[@egordon1339]

You are probably all type O blood and could read “ Eat according to your blood type”

[@Noddingdog63]

Ohh my goodness I thought PPI was a type of eye infection you got at the local swimming pool. Doh!!

[@sherriewofford2136]

Can you quick taking it for good

[@ChrisM541]

Unlike Gaviscon, settlers, rennie, milk, these pills are not fast acting. They take at least 24hrs to kick in.

[@maryw8839]

Great info but you spoke much too fast to have time to understand.

[@zizzie4081]

It’s always something…

[@brendasears9650]

Wasn't there a PPI prescribed for weight loss in the 80s or 90s that was taken off the market because people died?

[@ElNietoPR]

What about that study that claim a possible link between PPIs and Alzheimers?

[@shad6519]

My mom 85 years old took antibiotics for H pylori for one week and after one month she took antibiotics for one week. she is feeling very sick even though she has taken antibiotics. Lack of appetite, Constipation. Please help me. Thanks 🙏

[@TeamAmy100]

Hi, I had H. pylori last year from some chicken that had been infected. She needs to do triple therapy for 2 weeks, which consists of 2 antibiotics and one PPI. Then, she retested at one month for a test for a cure for H. pylori. If she is still positive, she will have to do quadruple therapy for 2 weeks, which is three antibiotics and a PPI. H pylori destroys your stomach and has caused irreversible damage to my stomach and my gallbladder. Not to mention the risk of stomach cancer later on in life. From the start of treatment, it took six weeks before I started to feel slightly better. I did 2 x antibiotics, PPIs, painkillers, small, easily digestible meals, and snacking frequently to help with the stomach pain. Aloe vera juice, probiotics, digestive enzymes. Hopefully, she will heal soon without complications. However, contact her GP for further help and assistance in testing and medication.

[@lg-ii6pm]

She needs to go to the doctor!! H pylori can resist some antibiotics so she needs to follow drs orders and take all the meds as prescribed and then get checked to see if the infection has been cleared. If not she might need to do a different set of medications and get checked after that. If she has medication side effects then call the doctor.

[@haggielady]

You do realize that it's against the law for doctors to prescribe over YT? Go See A Doctor.

[@shad6519]

@ God Bless you Always. Thank you 🙏

[@Joy21090]

The "85 years ago" confused me.

[@chairmanmike5858]

So, for the average bear, let me guess ... diet and exercise?

[@Russsir]

This stuff is for selling NOT buying.