New research shows that long term use of PPI drugs and stomach cancer may be related. Researchers have examined the link between PPI and stomach cancer, and now urge consumers to limit use of these acid-reducing medications.

Researchers at the Centre for Translational Microbiome Research at the Karolinska Institutet recently released the results of their long term study on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs. People taking these drugs might not know about the connections between PPIs and stomach cancer.

PPIs such as Nexium and Prilosec are commonly used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers, and other options. PPI drugs are available both over the counter and by prescription, with a large number of consumers taking the medications regularly.

The Karolinska researchers found that one in ten Swedish adults uses PPI drugs over a longer period of time. This number does not include those who are occasional users or use PPI drugs without a prescription.

The Karolinska research study aimed to understand the effect of chronic PPI use on health outcomes and the development of stomach and esophageal cancers. The researchers examined data from large populations of adults taking at least 6 months of PPI drugs from 2005 through 2012. The result of their research showed a definite relationship between PPI and stomach cancer or esophageal cancer.

The researchers expected to see a higher risk of cancer in patients with acid reflux regardless of treatment because “even with treatment, the risk of cancer will probably remain higher than someone who never had reflux,” according to ScienceTrends.

However, findings showed that the highest risk for esophageal cancer was found in those who underwent treatment with PPI for protection against peptic ulcers while taking anti-inflammatory drugs.

Numerous other studies have provided similar results regarding stomach cancer and PPI use, but the Karolinska researchers are not yet confident about the causation relationship between PPI and stomach cancer. Instead of asserting a definite link, they have called for further investigation into the link.

“Since other groups have been publishing findings similar to ours assessing the risks related to long-term PPI use, considering stomach cancer and also other cancer types but also other long-term effects, there is certainly smoke, but we are not sure yet that there is a fire,” ScienceTrends report regarding the PPI and stomach cancer results.

Although no definite conclusion was reached, the researchers agree that a relationship between stomach cancer and PPI use exists. In light of this relationship, they recommend that the prescribing and use of PPI drugs be reserved for necessary situations rather than the universal treatment option it has recently become.

“So we certainly do not recommend to stop any PPI treatment without consulting a physician. Yet, we do want to raise awareness about potential long-term effects and uncontrolled over-the-counter use,” the researchers wrote in Science Trends. “So maybe treatment should be reserved for stricter indications or at least restricted in time.”

Has Other Research Supported These Findings?

Nexium and other PPI drugs continue to be some of the most commonly prescribed in the United States. However, the medical and academic research surrounding the risk profile of these medications have evolved to showcase some of the dangers.

A new study published in the BMJ indicates that the death risk for various chronic health conditions is associated with regular and long term use of PPI drugs.

Over 15 million individuals across the United States are taking these drugs from a prescription, but many more are likely using them over the counter. Some of these patients might not be aware of the risks of taking these medications for a long period of  time.

These drugs were intended for short-term use to address underlying conditions such as heartburn, but have been associated with serious medical conditions and the possible development of stomach cancer when used long-term.

The most recent study analyzed medical records from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The research project managers looked at data over the course of a two-year period in which over 157,000 people receive PPI prescriptions from a physician.  Those patients were followed for ten years after the prescription was given.

The outcome of the study indicated that during the follow-up years, there would be more than 42 excess deaths for every 1,000 individuals taking a PPI when compared with another type of medicine. Medical News Today reports that the study found connections with cardiovascular disease, stomach cancer, and chronic kidney disease. Those patients using any form of a PPI should continue to be aware of these risks.

If you developed stomach cancer after using PPI drugs, you may be eligible to file a stomach cancer and PPI lawsuit. A PPI and stomach cancer lawsuit could help recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, wrongful death, and more.