If you’re taking a proton-pump inhibitor drug (PPI) and still suffer from stomach pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing at night ― you are not alone. PPI therapy fails to provide adequate symptom control in up to 50 percent of patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. In fact, one-third of these patients may not need them.2
If you've been taking heartburn medication but are still frustrated by frequent discomfort, it’s time to see a gastroenterologist (GI). Say goodnight to your acid reflux.
1 in 3 patients
with ongoing symptoms taking heartburn meds may not need them2
Risk of progression
Up to 15 percent of GERD patients may develop a precancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus.7 Other risk factors include tobacco use, obesity, hiatal hernia, and family history.8-13
If you’re taking antacids and still suffer from symptoms (heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing at night), see a GI to find answers and relief.
Balancing the risks of
heartburn medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most widely prescribed class of medication worldwide.1 Some studies have shown a possible association between long-term use of PPIs3-5:
- Osteoporosis
- Pneumonia
- Dementia
- Gastric polyps
- Bone fractures
If PPI therapy isn't relieving your symptoms — it’s time to find out what’s really causing your discomfort. Talk to a gastroenterologist for answers.
Get an accurate diagnosis and
plan of action.
GERD is often diagnosed based on symptoms and a patient's response to antacid medication. However, neither is enough to confirm a diagnosis. Only reflux testing can tell you for sure.6
With a Bravo™ reflux test your gastroenterologist can get the information they need to confirm or rule out GERD as the root cause of your symptoms.6 So they can determine if you can benefit from stopping medication.1
Testing involves placing a small capsule in your esophagus that will track your pH levels (acidity) for up to four days. It sends the data to a compact, wearable device throughout the day.
1
Yadlapati R, Masihi M, Gyawali P, et al. Ambulatory reflux monitoring guides proton pump inhibitor discontinuation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms: a clinical trial. Gastroenterology. September 2020 https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro. 2020.09.013.
2
Herregods TVK, Troelstra M, Weijenborg PW, Bredenoord AJ, Smout AJMP. Patients with refractory reflux symptoms often do not have GERD: Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2015;27(9):1267–1273.
3
Richter JE, Pandolfino JE, Vela MF, Kahrilas PJ, Lacy BE, Ganz R, et al. Utilization of wireless pH monitoring technologies: a summary of the proceedings from the Esophageal Diagnostic Working Group. Diseases of the Esophagus. 2013 Nov;26(8):755-65.
4
Vakil N. Prescribing proton pump inhibitors: is it time to pause and rethink? Drugs. 2012 Mar 5;72(4):437-45.
5
Freedberg, Kim, Yang. The risks and benefits of long-term use of proton pump inhibitors: expert review and best practice advice from the American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology 2017;152:706-715.
6
Gawon AJ, Pandolfino JE. Ambulatory reflux monitoring in GERD — which test should be performed and should therapy be stopped? Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2013 Sep;15(4):316.
7
Schlottmann F, Patti MG. Shaheen NJ. From heartburn to Barrett’s esophagus, and beyond. World journal of surgery. July 2017:1698-1704.
8
Spechler S, et al. Barrett’s esophagus. N Engl J Med. 2014; 371:836-45.
9
Evans JA, et al. The role of endoscopy in Barrett’s esophagus and other premalignant conditions of the esophagus. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2012;27(6):1087-1094.
10
Shaheen NJ, Sharma P, et al. Radiofrequency ablation in Barrett’s esophagus with dysplasia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009 May;360(22):2277-2288.
11
Chak A, Lee T, Kinnard MF, et al. Familial aggregation of Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma in Caucasian adults. Gut. 2002 Sep;51(3):323-8.
12
Anaparthy R, Gaddam S, Kanakadandi V, et al. Association between length of Barrett’s esophagus and risk of high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma in patients without dysplasia. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Nov;11(11):1430-6.
13
Coleman H, Bhat S, et al. Increasing incidence of Barrett’s oesophagus: a population-based study. Eur J Epidem. 2011 Sept;26(9):739-45.
Information and resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Always discuss diagnosis and treatment information including risks with your doctor. Keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary.