Reflux, Heartburn Drugs Linked to Kidney Failure

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A new study shows that reflux and heartburn drugs may not be as safe as you think.

Reflux

The American Society of Nephrology conducted the study, which examined common medication — known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI) — used to treat reflux, heartburn and ulcers, and determined these drugs can hurt your kidneys.

Patients who used PPIs were at a higher risk of experiencing kidney function decline, chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. The risk was even higher for those who used the medications for a long period of time.

The scientists looked at over 173,000 new users of PPIs and more than 20,000 new users of histamine H2 receptor blockers — also used to suppress stomach acid — and followed up their condition for five years. The added risk to PPI users was 28% for chronic kidney disease, and a 96% increased risk for kidney failure.

About 15 million Americans were prescribed reflux and heartburn medication, while additional patients bought over-the-counter drugs.

The results of the study will appear in the forthcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).

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