Proton pump inhibitors or PPI drugs as they are often called have recently been linked to a higher Nexium cancer risk.

Research reports that common PPI drug brands and the cancer risk associated with them appears to increase from two to eight percent depending upon how long and how often the patient has ingested the heartburn medications.

Nexium cancer risk appears to be higher in those that have taken it daily over the long haul for chronic or recurrent stomach acid management.

The data supporting this connection between Nexium and cancer risk was generated from a study whose results were published in the fall of 2017. Primary study participants were patients that had undergone a treatment protocol for Helicobacter Pylori or H-Pylori, a common digestive bacterial infection linked to the development of ulcerations in the stomach lining.

While up to 50 percent of the population carry H-Pylori and don’t realize it due to a lack of symptoms, the study that identified Nexium cancer risk last year worked with those that did and had the infection eliminated. This process alone should have decreased the risk of developing cancer of the stomach by at least 33 percent.

Regular use of PPI drugs such as Nexium and cancer risk of the stomach was found to be increased to a whopping 43 percent despite wiping out the former infection.

Records show that up to 15 million Americans have been prescribed PPI drugs to control heartburn or acid reflux and symptoms of stomach ulceration. Physicians can hold out this prescriptive option as an ‘easy answer’ to a chronic condition and send the message that they are totally benign to the unwitting consumer.

While they can be helpful in the short-term or for once-in-a-while use, daily preemptive ingestion should be avoided to keep Nexium cancer risk at bay.

How Do PPIs Work?

PPIs work by stopping cells that are a part of the lining of the stomach from creating too much acid. They block a chemical enzyme system that exists as part of the nature of these cells. In sufferers of ulcers, the mucous lining of the stomach that protects it from the highly corrosive nature of the digestive acids it produces is compromised.

Reducing the amount of acid made can give the ulcerative area a break to heal. Acid reduction also assists patients that suffer from sphincter weakness that keeps the opening between the stomach and esophagus tightly closed. This weakness allows acids to escape causing heartburn.

Avoiding Nexium Cancer Risk

Nexium cancer risk can be avoided by sticking to non-PPI-type antacids that are available at your local drugstore. Since PPI’s come in generic versions, here are the chemical names you might want to avoid either by themselves or in combination with aspirin or naproxen sodium:

• omeprazole
• lansoprazole
• dexlansoprazole
• rabeprazole
• pantoprazole
• esomeprazole

If you or a loved one has developed stomach cancer through long-term use of Nexium or other PPI drugs, you may have a legal claim. Our expert product liability lawyers are standing by to review your case in a free initial consultation. Fill out our form for more information.