Heartburn Medicines Can Be Used For Prolonged Periods
QUESTION: Several months ago I went to an ear, nose and throat doctor about a sore throat that came on every night after going to bed. He said it was caused by acid reflux and told me to take Prilosec for a month. It works fine, but the package info is disturbing. It says to take it for 14 days and then wait before taking any more. The doctor tells me to keep taking it as long as it’s working so well. What should I do?
ANSWER: Prilosec suppresses the stomach’s production of acid. It’s a popular acid-reflux (GERD, heartburn) medicine. Readers will be surprised you take it to stop nightly sore throats. Acid reflux can have unusual symptoms — sore throat being one. Stomach acid can trickle upward into the throat and irritate it.
One reason for limiting its constant use has to do with the absorption of vitamin B-12. Stomach acid is necessary to absorb that vitamin from food. However, people who use Prilosec or medicines closely related to it for prolonged periods have not been shown to be at great risk for developing a B-12 deficiency.
Secondly, high doses and prolonged use of the medicine lead to tumors in some lab animals. Tumors have not been found in humans.
Many doctors have their heartburn patients take the medicine indefinitely. You can do so too.
Or, if you are willing to experiment, you can stop the medicine and see what happens. You might not develop sore throats. If you do, start it again.
The heartburn booklet discuss the symptoms and treatment of this common malady. Readers can order a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue — No. 501, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6.75 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
(c) 2005 North America Syndicate Inc.
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(info by Paul G. Donohue, M.D. from http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/072805/hn1.htm?date=072805&story=hn1.htm)