Multiple studies have connected Nexium and similar heartburn drugs with increased risks of certain deadly conditions.

WebMD reports on a study of more than 200,000 US veterans who used common heartburn drugs over a long period of time. This population face heightened risks of death from kidney failure, stomach cancer, and heart disease.

What type of medication is Nexium?

Nexium is a drug known as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs are among the most popular medications on the U.S. market and are sold over-the-counter and as prescriptions. Well known PPIs include Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec.

Prolonged use of PPIs has been associated with premature death and consumers are advised to carefully consider the risks before beginning a PPI treatment regimen.

A growing number of patients have reported serious side effects after taking Nexium over an extended period. If you begin to notice a change in your overall medical condition and health, you should report this to your doctor immediately. Many consumers have shared their concerns about the dangers of Nexium in online forums, such as WebMD.

What is Nexium used for?

Over the counter PPIs are all similar strength versions of prescription drugs approved to treat heartburn a couple of times per week. These potent medications are frequently more appropriate for treating serious conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid invades the esophagus.

Many people with GERD are taking PPIs over a long period of time, oblivious to the medication’s potentially deadly side effects.

What is GERD?

GERD is diagnosed when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, which is the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach. Over time. acid reflux caused by this condition can erode or inflame the lining of the esophagus.

While it may be appropriate for people dealing with GERD to rely on a PPI over the long-term, Consumer Reports found that up to 70% of people taking a PPI for heartburn might not need something so strong.

What are other dangers of Nexium?

In addition to the risks associated with long-term PPI use, which can lead to depleted magnesium levels and a higher risk of bone fractures, there are numerous other side effects with drugs like Nexium. PPIs can cause diarrhea, headaches and increase your risk for serious infections, like pneumonia. The risk of infections can be much higher if you have a compromised immune system, lung disease or asthma.

If you have already been taking PPI medications for a long period of time and are unsure about whether or not this is in the best interest of your health, now would be a good time to set up an appointment with your physician to discuss next steps. You may be able to avoid the dangers of Nexium by using a different medication or an alternative treatment.