Prolonged treatment (greater than 24-36 months) may cause vitamin B12 deficiency. The risk is greater in women, people aged less than 30, and with higher dosages. Administration of PPIs (such as Nexium), has been associated with acute interstitial nephritis, a severe inflammation of the kidneys.
Long-term use or higher doses of Nexium could increase the risk of rare side effects, such as low magnesium or vitamin B12 levels, bone fractures, or kidney problems.
Long-term and inappropriate use of PPIs like Nexium have been linked to kidney problems. It can increase the risk of developing acute interstitial nephritis, chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. Kidney damage may be irreversible and can progress to organ failure.
Antacids are among the safest drugs for acid reflux and side effects are rare. Depending on the antacid's ingredients, side effects may include diarrhea, constipation, calcium loss and kidney stones.
Slowly taper off the PPI over 2-4 weeks (the higher the dose, the longer the taper). While the taper is being completed, use the following for bridge therapy to reduce the symptoms of rebound hyperacidity. Encourage regular aerobic exercise. Encourage a relaxation technique such as deep breathing.
Some people start to feel relief from GERD symptoms within 1 day. But it may take up to 4 days for other people. Generic Nexium should only be used for 2 weeks, but prescription Nexium can be taken for longer. If you're still feeling symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about whether or not to continue taking it.
"People who have been using Nexium for a long time may suffer serious Nexium withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Symptoms include heartburn, indigestion and regurgitation. Nexium or PPI withdrawal is called rebound acid hypersecretion (RAH)." — Nexium: https://www.drugwatch.com/proton-pump-inhibitors/nexium/.
While you can manage some symptoms with medications, you may wonder if it is possible to cure GERD permanently. The answer is yes — you may be able to through surgery and lifestyle factors, or both.
Side Effects of Long-Term Use of Acid Reflux Medicines
In recent years, long-term PPI use has been linked to: Increased risk of stomach cancer: PPIs block the production of acid that can potentially damage the esophagus.
Serious stomach conditions may occur while taking this medicine alone or together with antibiotics. Check with your doctor immediately if you or your child has stomach cramps, bloated feeling, watery and severe diarrhea which may also be bloody sometimes, fever, nausea or vomiting, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
A widely-used medicine for heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux can cause serious liver damage, researchers at UC San Diego Medical Center have discovered. More than 30 million Americans take Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, or generic versions of those over-the-counter medications.
These popular drugs were already linked to short-term kidney problems, but newer studies on Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid show a link between PPIs and chronic, long-term kidney disease. More frequent use of PPIs can increase the risk of serious kidney injury.
Usually, only up to 8 weeks of treatment is recommended. Controlled studies have not investigated use beyond 6 months; however, Nexium has been used long-term for the treatment of hypersecretory conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Adults—20 or 40 milligrams (mg) once a day for 4 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. To prevent erosive esophagitis from coming back, your doctor may want you to take 20 mg once a day for up to 6 months.
Usually, you can stop taking esomeprazole without reducing your dose first. But if you've been taking esomeprazole for a long time speak to your doctor before you stop taking it. Stopping suddenly could make your stomach produce a lot more acid, and make your symptoms come back.
Antacids are safe for most people. Some of the brand names of the safest antacids include Gaviscon, Gelusil, Tums, Maalox, and others.
While one study did find that Nexium offered faster heartburn relief than Prilosec after one week of use, at the second week, both treatment groups were reported to have similar symptom relief. While both medications generally offer the same level of relief, it may just come down to personal preference and cost.
Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation. It is easy to choose foods by looking them up to see how acidic they are.
The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux. But nonfat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents and provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms."
Stopping Nexium or Other PPIs:
First, never stop suddenly! Rebound hyperacidity can cause unbearable heartburn. We know this because of a Danish study (Gastroenterology, July 2009).
You Take PPIs Incorrectly
People often have breakthrough acid reflux symptoms if they do not take their PPIs correctly. Generally, PPIs are most effective if you take them about 30 minutes before your first meal. 1 Food signals your body to secrete stomach acid.
The most common adverse effects of Nexium are: headache. diarrhea, nausea, and flatulence.