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(314) 500-HURTContinued use of the proton pump inhibitor(PPI) acid-suppressing agent, such as Prilosec (omeprazole), is linked with an increased risk of stomach cancer (gastric cancer). PPIs are commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.
Americans spend more than $10 billion on PPI drugs, which include omeprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole to treat acid reflux, helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Considering that these drugs have been available for more than 25 years, with 16 years without a prescription, medical experts believe that long-term use of PPI comes with side effects, including an increased risk of cancer.
Emerging evidence from several studies shows that these drugs increase the risk of cancer when used for a long time to treat digestive disorders.
As the body digests food, the stomach uses gastric acid to break down food. In the process, cells in the gut—G cells— produce a hormone called gastrin, which signals other cells to pump acid.
Gastric acid is a mix of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and hydrochloric acid.
When you take omeprazole, it signals the acid to stop acid production. PPIs shut down the proton pump found in parietal cells, cutting off acid production. Unfortunately, when you cut off acid production using the proton pump inhibitor, the body realizes it doesn’t have enough acid.
Due to the imbalance, the body responds after recognizing there isn’t enough acid by producing more gastrin.
Unfortunately, research has concluded that too much gastrin promotes the growth of gastrointestinal tumors.
Gastric-acid suppression from PPIs often leads to:
The above factors increase the risk of developing cancer in the gastrointestinal system.
PPIs like Prilosec are available over the counter without a prescription. Unfortunately, long-term use may be problematic, even in small doses.
According to Food and Drug Administration guidelines, patients should take PPIs over 14 days up to three times a year. In other instances, healthcare providers recommend H2 blockers as an alternative medication.
People who stop PPIs experience difficult symptoms and may need to go back at them at a higher dose. If you take PPIs for a few weeks, you should avoid stopping the medication suddenly.
Abruptly stopping the medication can cause a rebound effect with stomach acid. Usually, people who take PPI medication should discuss treatment options and changes with their healthcare provider.
H2 blockers are medications that lower the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The body absorbs H2 blockers, creating acid suppression, which lasts for several hours after taking the drug.
H2 blockers are also effective in countering the effect of acid on the esophagus, which causes heartburn. Examples of H2 blockers include cimetidine, nizatidine, and famotidine.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes in some cases can assist in some conditions that require PPIs, including acid reflux or GERD.
Some of the helpful lifestyle changes include:
If you have been taking Prilosec and you suspect your cancer diagnostic has something to do with it, please contact our experienced St. Louise product liability lawyers right away.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Gary Burger who has more than 30 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney. Gary’s robust legal knowledge is recognized by his peers as demonstrated by his industry awards and frequent Continuing Legal Education (CLE) lectures.
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