Does Nexium Cause Stomach Cancer?

Due to the popularity of heartburn medications, many people are now asking questions about whether or not there are serious side effects with these drugs. One question has to do with whether or not Nexium could cause stomach cancer. More research has pointed to a possible connection, especially when a user is taking Nexium for the long term.

What is the Stomach Cancer Risk?

Nexium is part of a group of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. Drugs like Nexium are used to treat heartburn and acid reflux. Typically, these drugs should only be taken for a short period of time in order to treat the underlying condition. Overall, the risk of developing stomach cancer from taking these popular medications is quite low.  However, long-term use of the drugs like Prilosec and Nexium can cause stomach cancer, according to a recent study reported by Newsweek.

The recent study into the cancer risks of proton pump inhibitors like Nexium was published in Gut. Reportedly, under one percent of the people who participated in the study were diagnosed with stomach cancer across a seven-year period. People who used these drugs for longer than three years, however, had a possible stomach cancer risk increase up to eight times, according to the researchers.

Stomach cancer makes up a relatively small portion of cancer overall, representing only about 1.5 percent of diagnosed cases in the U.S. each year. Despite its rarity, an increased risk of stomach cancer could pose a risk to patients.

How do Proton Pump Inhibitor Drugs Work?

Nexium and Prilosec are part of a class of medicines are known as PPIs or proton pump inhibitors. They work by reducing the acid made by the stomach lining. Nexium has become one of the most popular drugs in the U.S. as thousands of people turn to it for easy relief from stomach problems, heartburn and acid reflux. Since so many PPIs are available over the counter, consumers may mistakenly believe that these drugs can be safely used over a long period of time. However, as these drugs may not be as suitable for long-term use as patients believe, given that recent research suggests that prolonged use of the drugs could cause stomach cancer.

Who is Most at Risk for Stomach Cancer?

It is likely that more studies will explore the stomach cancer risk for patients using these medicines, and that future research will give researchers a clearer picture of how PPIs may be linked to stomach cancer. At the moment researchers do not know exactly how the two are connected. However, a link between stomach cancer and bacteria may help clarify how or why stomach cancer occurs.

Currently, research suggests that patients who have been infected with Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. Pylori are at a particularly high risk of stomach cancer.

Eliminating that infection could reduce the risk of stomach cancer, but, according to WebMD, doctors are still being advised to closely monitor any and all patients who are using PPIs on a regular basis. This monitoring is crucial because the most current research suggests that while PPIs may be effective in treating heartburn and related issues in the short term, they may be dangerous if used for multiple years.

What Should I Do if I Already Have Stomach Cancer?

Did you use a PPI drug like Nexium over the course of multiple years and were later diagnosed with stomach cancer? If so, the two events could be connected. It’s important for you to get the help of an experienced attorney to discuss whether or not you might have grounds for litigation if your Nexium use caused stomach cancer.