KThere is also one drug that is prescribed and taken as often in Germany as the gastric acid blocker. But they are also controversial because of potential side effects. The gastroenterologist Stefan Christl from Asklepios Klinikum Harburg in Hamburg warns of hysteria – but also of unnecessary use of the drug.
WORLD: Is it really necessary that the acid blockers in this country are prescribed to more than 13 million patients every year and swallowed in four billion daily doses? Many experts consider these quotas to be extremely worrying.
Stefan Christl: This criticism is unquestionably justified. Far too many people take the acid blockers. Including many who don’t even need it. On the other hand, there are many patient groups for whom they are definitely indicated.
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