Ask a Health Professional il M-F: 9a-6p Sat: 9a-1p (715) 582-0898 960 Frontage Road | Peshtigo, WI Paul Farley, Pharm D Pharmacist & Owner H o M E o w N uestion: How Long Should I Use M Medicine For Acid Reflu The most common that correctly! and insuficient type of medication production of digestive enzymes in used for heartburn the pancreas. These factors lead or acid reflux is a to poor digestion of food in the class of medication stomach. If a patient is interested known as proton pump inhibitors in stopping the use of a PPl, he or (PPls). This class of drugs includes she must take steps to improve omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole digestion. Betaine HCl is an acid pantoprazole supplement that is often combined (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), with pepsin, a digestive enzyme esomeprazole (Nexium), and Taking a product with these dexlansoprazole (Dexilant). These ingredients may improve digestion medications can be very effective and allow a patient to discontinue and safe for short term treatment using a PPI, Other digestiveenzyme PA: of acid reflux. PPls were initially products are also available to aid in to be used for a 2 to 6 this process. Deglycyrrhized licorice week period, however, hundreds (DGL) is another product that can of thousands of patients are using aid in the healing process. Other them long term to treat their tips to help with symptoms of acid reflux indlude eating smaller and more frequent meals, chewing your While many patients will not have food thoroughly, avoiding spicy problems, long term PPl usage foods, and refraining from lying symptoms as een nked with a number down after eating. of health problems including osteoporosis, dementia, and poor you are considering stopping kidney function. There has even usage of a proton pump inhibitor been a link to an increased risk of it is important to discuss this first with your doctor and pharmacist heart attack. PPls can also deplete Patients should be weaned off of your body of essential nutrients uch as Vitamin B12, magnesium, PPls over a 4 week period, and it calcium, zinc, and iron. With these is crucial to take steps to improve potential health problems related digestion. If not, you'll probably end take steps toimpo to PPl usage, t s important for up back on your medication down road If you are looking for patients to consider the risk versus assistance with a weaning he reward of continuing this type of medication or looking for products to aid in the process of improving digestion Acid reflux can be caused by and stopping your PPl, feel free to many things, but primary causes stop by Hometown Pharmacy in include decreased acid production Peshtigo. We'd be happy to help in the stomach (yes, you read you out!