Proton Pump Inhibitors – A Risky Experiment?

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a $13 billion-a-year industry in the US. There were 119 million prescriptions written for these drugs in 2009. Omeprazole and lansoprazole are also available over the counter. PPIs are indicated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett esophagus, and peptic ulcer disease, and to aid in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori overgrowth. They may also be prescribed for symptoms sometimes associated with GERD such as chronic cough, asthma, and chest pain.

Generic and brand names include: omeprazole (Prilosec) lansoprazole (Prevacid) rabeprazole (Aciphex) pantoprazole (Protonics) esomeprazole (Nexium)

http://www.townsendletter.com/FebMarch2011/protonpump0211.html