There are millions of Americans who regularly take prescription proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications to treat heartburn and ulcers, but researchers claim to have found a link between prolonged use of these drugs and a vitamin deficiency that could increase the risk of dementia, nerve damage, anemia, and other medical complications. [More]
heartburn
Chew Gum To Kill Heartburn?
By 1.13.11
Sick of paying for heartburn meds at the drugstore? The New York Times says you might be able to find a cheaper remedy for the ‘burn by picking up some chewing gum at the checkout counter. [More]
Gastroenterologists Warn That Thanksgiving Can Make You Sick
By 11.23.10
If you’re a regular reader of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News, you already know about this, but just in case you’ve allowed your subscription to lapse, here’s a word of warning: you may get heartburn from your Thanksgiving dinner. You can thank us later. [More]
Unfortunately Named Products: Aciphex
By 6.2.10
Remember how when you were writing essays in school teachers would say that you should read your work aloud before handing it in? To see if you could catch any typos or strange-sounding phrases? Well, the nomenclature-smiths who came up with heartburn drug “Aciphex,” seem to have forgotten that important lesson. Watch the ad and you’ll hear what I’m talking about: “Fred, you have acid reflux disease. I want you to try prescription ass effects.” [More]
Heartburn Drugs Prilosec and Nexium May Cause Heart Attacks
By 8.11.07
The FDA has launched a safety review of the heartburn drugs Prilosec and Nexium after two studies linked the medicines to an increased risk of: “heart attacks, heart failure, and heart-related sudden death.” The FDA warned that the studies are only preliminary, and that doctors and patients should keep using the drugs. From the LA Times:
