Consumers who take certain antacids should be on the watch for stinging sensations in their chest, as this may not just be run of the mill heartburn, but rather an indication of a serious side effect. According to recent reports, users of Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may have an increased risk of heart attacks.

Prilosec Antacid Study

Researchers from Stanford University and Houston Methodist conducted an acid reflux study that looked at a group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, commonly used to combat acid reflux (or heartburn). This class of antacids includes popular pharmaceutical products like Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, and others.

According to researcher Dr. John Cooke, the acid reflux study suggests that “Proton pump inhibitors increase the risk of heart attack in the general population by about 15 to 20 percent.” The study examined 2.9 million patients’ anonymous, electronic medical records, and the results of the research pointed to a clear association between proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec and heart attacks. Patients who used another class of antacids known as H2 blockers did not demonstrate the same increased heart attack risks as their proton pump inhibitor counterparts.

However, Lenox Hill Hospital cardiologist Dr. Tara Narula cautioned that this research “does not prove cause and effect” and warns patients not to stop taking their medication. Dr. Narula believes more research is needed into other factors that may contribute to an increased risk of heart attacks, and said in comments to CBS news “We don’t know if patients who were on PPIs were sicker. Were they overweight? Did they smoke or drink alcohol, or have other conditions that put them at increased risk?”

Other researchers involved in the acid reflux study state that while this research does not prove causation, it does provide enough evidence to raise concerns about the common practice of prescribing Prilosec and other prescription acid reflux drugs longer than medically necessary.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Side Effects

Prilosec and other proton pump inhibitors work by lowering stomach acidity, which in turn prevents heart burn. This class of drugs is among the most widely prescribed in the U.S. and accounts for about $14 billion in annual pharmaceutical sales.

The new antacid study is not the first PPI study to look at the negative effects of Prilosec and other antacids. A PLOS ONE Circulation Study published in 2013 suggested that PPIs may cause long-term heart diseases, as well as increase patients’ risk of heart attack. Other observed proton inhibitor side effects include vitamin B12 deficiency and an increased susceptibility to fractures in the hip, wrist, and spine.

With the PPI study linking this class of drugs to serious heart problems, patients who have suffered side effects may choose to file acid reflux medication lawsuits or join acid reflux medication class action lawsuits against the makers of Prilosec and other heartburn drug manufacturers.