A NUMBER of readers have written to me anxious about reported associations between long-term use of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs, such as omeprazole and pantoprazole (taken to suppress the secretion of acid in the stomach, for example to prevent reflux) and a host of conditions from infections to osteoporosis, kidney damage and even dementia.
Now, at last, a definitive study involving 18,000 patients over three years has clarified the picture – and the results are reassuring.
Previous concerns were all based on observational studies, and it has been concluded that they are without foundation. There are no associations between PPIs and any of the conditions that have been a cause for concern, except for a small potential link with enteric infections.
These diarrhoea-type illnesses are caused by intestinal infection, usually acquired from contaminated food or water. The association could be explained by the lack of stomach acid in patients taking PPIs.
Many people take these drugs for months or years, and to them I say, with some confidence now, that the benefits of taking these drugs long-term outweigh the risks. Please, rest assured.
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