A recent article shows patient safety concerns about PPI’s are common and strongly associated with attempts at discontinuation, with or without a provider’s recommendation. Patients at high risk for GI bleeding, who clearly benefit from PPI’s, were just as likely to have tried stopping PPI’s as others. Physicians should always discuss the risks and benefits of PPI’s with their patients, including the possibilities if the patient stops medication.
See the article in the American Journal of Gastroenterology here.
Thanks Manoj for the information. Just another question to ask Dr Fox when I see him in April. I’ve taken pantoprazole long term after it being originally prescribed to treat Barrett’s esophagus. The Barrett’s was resolved but I was kept on it. Hope all is well with you.
Thanks, Ron, these discussions are always best when they cover both risks and benefits. I do think sometimes people take what we have to say with a grain of salt, and don’t really reveal their specific concerns about safety. While I think the drugs are safe, unless we emphasize just how safe, and how much risk is involved, it might seem like we are downplaying the issues that are most important to patients.
Be well!