After reports that certain over the counter and prescription heartburn medications known as proton pump inhibitors are linked to severe side effects, some are concerned that PPIs like Prilosec cause stomach cancer.

Basics of Heartburn

When stomach acid keeps being forced up the esophagus, it may be diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. In this condition, the sphincter of the lower esophagus does not close properly, allowing stomach acid into the esophagus. This can cause inflammation, and in some cases, tooth erosion.

What are Common Treatments for GERD?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are three levels of over-the-counter treatment for GERD and two of them are available at prescription levels if need be. The first level is the standard range of antacids sold under the brand names of Tums, Mylanta, and Rolaids. Store brands of antacids are also available and often provide relief of GERD symptoms within minutes. With extensive esophageal damage, an individual is tempted to overuse these, however, and by doing so, could experience diarrhea or kidney side effects.

The second level of treatment is a class of medications known as H2 receptor blockers. These are sold under brand names such as Tagamet, Pepcid, and Zantac and also have their store brand equivalents. When seeking relief from this class of drugs, the taker must know that relief is rarely as immediately experienced as it is with standard antacids. Acid production is brought under control for up to 12 hours with use, allowing symptom-free living for a longer stretch of time than the first treatment tier. There are prescription strength H2 blockers.

The third tier of GERD treatment, as indicated by the Mayo Clinic, is proton pump inhibitors. These are sold under the brand names of Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid. PPIs are available in prescription strength as well. These are the strongest acid blockers available, but have been connected to a heightened risk of health problems if a patient remains on them for long periods.

What are the side effects of Prilosec?

Prilosec has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer and kidney problems.

These kidney problems took the form of kidney failure, also known as renal failure or renal insufficiency. According to a 2016 study, people taking PPI meds had a 96 percent greater likelihood of developing kidney failure than those who did not take PPIs, and they faced a 28 percent increased risk of developing kidney disease.

Does Prilosec cause stomach cancer?

More recently, the stomach cancer problems are coming to light. It is not known if Prilosec causes stomach cancer, but a recent study suggests that the two may be linked. The study was published in October 2017, and examined the risk of patients taking PPIs like Nexium and Prilosec to develop stomach cancer.

The October 2017 study showed that patients taking PPIs were between two and eight times more likely to develop stomach cancer, depending on how long they took the drugs.

How may Prilosec cause stomach cancer?

The study examining the risk of PPIs and stomach cancer examined primarily patients who had been treated for an infection of the bacteria Heliobacter pylori, a bacteria that can lead to stomach ulcers.

This bacteria is common. Mayo Clinic estimates that over half of the world’s population may have been infected with the bacteria. Many people may not be aware of their infection because they do not show any symptoms.

Though many people may not experience problems with the bacteria, it does come with increased stomach cancer risk. Eliminating the bacteria from a person’s system is supposed to reduce their risk of stomach cancer by 33 percent.

However, the study on PPIs indicated that even after patients had the H. pylori bacteria eradicated, if they had taken PPI medications, they still had a 43 percent elevated risk for developing stomach cancer. This elevated risk was established by comparing PPIs with another type of heartburn medication called histamine-2 receptors.

Does stomach cancer develop from another condition?

In determining whether Prilosec may cause stomach cancer, it is helpful to understand the mechanisms that can lead to this occurrence. Research indicates that in the case of stomach cancer after PPI use, the cancer does develop after other conditions develop.

Reportedly, PPI use can worsen atrophic gastritis. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says that atrophic gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining becomes inflamed. When the stomach lining is inflamed, it produces less acid and fewer enzymes, which are needed to digest food.

This condition can either be erosive or non-erosive, meaning it may or may not cause ulcers.

Verywell Health notes that in addition to interfering with digestion, “chronic atrophic gastritis likely serves as a premalignant or precancerous lesion which predisposes a person to stomach cancer.”

So, PPIs may be linked to stomach cancer in more ways than one, though they aim to help reduce stomach related problems.