The dangers of omeprazole documented again, this time in hospitals

2024-02-16 09:26:23

The drugs called «stomach protectors» by marketing (proton pump inhibitors -PPIs-) as omeprazole, are among the most used in Spain (and in many countries). Exists overmedication with them. And, of course, they have their dangers.

Recently A study carried out in hospitals has been published since PPIs are among the most used drugs in critical patients. And although they are applied temporarily for the prophylaxis of stress ulcersits application frequently does not end when the person has left the health center.

And, of course: The possible Adverse effects of PPI treatment could affect the patient if they continue using them without reason.

Researchers have tested the hypothesis that continued PPI treatment not indicated after hospital discharge is associated with increased morbidity, rehospitalization rate, and mortality!

For this work, data from 591,207 patients were examined and 11,576 ICU patients who received PPI therapy were identified without it being correct to prescribe it upon leaving the hospital, after their hospital discharge.

The sample was stratified into two groups:

1) People without additional treatment with PPI.

2) Patients who continued PPI treatment beyond 8 weeks after hospital discharge.

And what was the result? Well, the proportion of patients who continued PPI treatment without justifiable indication was 41.7%. These people had a 27% higher risk of pneumonia and a 17% higher risk of cardiovascular events.

There was also much more rehospitalization in them and a almost 20% higher risk of mortality 2 years after his first release from the hospital.

You may be thinking, well, this only happens in people who have been treated with omeprazole in a hospital, but the truth is that the harms of this medication are well documented in other situations.

One of the side effects that What can omeprazole cause is hypomagnesemia? (magnesium deficiency), serious cases have occurred when it has been used for at least three months and in most cases treated for a year.

Severe symptoms of hypomagnesemia may occur such as fatigue, delirium, seizures, dizziness and arrhythmia ventricular that appear insidiously and go unnoticed.

PPI treatment may lead to a slight increased risk of gastrointestinal infections. As in all long-term treatments, especially when a period of more than one year is exceeded, patients should be kept under regular surveillance. Although it is infrequent, there have also been cases of lupus cutaneous erythematous due to drug consumption.

Adverse reactions also occur as psychiatric disorders. Cases of insomnia are rare, agitation, confusion or depression are rare, and aggression or hallucinations are very rare. Rare but they happen. If you have to use it for a long time, which is not recommended, read its technical sheet carefully before.

and a few years ago Fresenius Medical Care conducted a study in its 40 centers in Spain, the results of which show that the use of proton pump inhibitors can increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality and for all causes in hemodialysis patients.

More and more doctors are realizing the risks of these medicationssince most of them work by reducing or even eliminating stomach acidwhich is essential for digestion.

And for this reason, many studies have emphasized the importance of following treatments based on natural products.

Highlights a study that included nearly 5,000 people with reflux diseases. All were treated with a medicinal plant complexincluding Aloe vera, Malva sylvestris, Althaea officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra y Matricaria recutita.

Taking it reduced symptoms by 62%, while 73% of those affected reported a significant improvement in their quality of life.

This surprising effect is due to the substances present in these plants that strengthen the natural barrier of the stomach. relieving digestive symptomsbut without affecting gastric acid secretion.

The risk of stomach pain becoming chronic increases with age. That is why it is important to bet on a natural approach for the first symptom of refluxinstead of resorting to dangerous medications like omeprazole.

If you have any problems with this drug, consult your doctor. Association of People Affected by Drugs (ADAF)

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