On Jun 30, 6:33 am, "Robert11" <rgs...@notme.com> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> MD says "no problem," but would like to ask anyway. I'm a male, 71 yrs of
> age.
> Have also Googled, but no luck on learning anything.
>
> Have been taking Prevacid 15 mg (once per day) for gastro-reflux for about
> 10 years now.
>
> Have also read, now and then, that it should be used for a "limited" time
> only, usually stated as
> a few months, perhaps.
>
> Any info. in the professional literature lately on the long term effects or
> cautions for this medication ?
>
> Thanks,
> B.
You should have periodic EGDs... Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopies
Prevacid can be used, as can other PPIs indefinitely to treat GERD,
but, Barrett's esophagus can still form and when it does, the symptoms
go away. A small percentage of people with Barrett's progress to
esophageal cancer, generally considered not a good thing. The
possibility exists that calcium absorption is reduced, so a dexa scan
would be good. There is a proton pump mechanism in the eye, so a good
thing to do would be get regular eye exams. The Limited time
recommendation is due to the only available studies being done for a
limited time. In years to come, long term outcome data will let us
know.
David
chorleydnc@gma…
