Is it safe to take continuously a stomach protection med? such as ulcecep. it is reducing my acidity and my mild reflux. what is the best med to take for long time that is not liver harmful. Thx
The medication you are taking is a " Proton pump inhibitor" or PPI, it works at the level of the stomach to decrease acid production, and it is used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, to prevent ulcers in people who are at risk or taking medications that can cause ulcers, and also to treat gastro-esophageal reflux or GERD ( which is reflux of acid from the stomach to the esophagus).
These medications are generally considered safe and well tolerated, with very rare side effects, and will not cause liver damage.
However, recently some concerns have surfaced regarding their safety when used on the long-term ( more than one year), as they may be associated in these cases of long-term use with increased risk of fractures ( especially in people over 50 years of age), low levels of magnesium ( hypo-magnesemia), and Vitamin B12 mal-absorption.
PPIs are the best drugs to treat GERD, however your physician, based on the severity of your symptoms, will have to decide if you need daily long-term treatment or intermittent treatment, or if treatment on a "as needed basis" would be the best approach.
Other options include Anti-H2 Blockers like Zantac but they have the same long-term concerns, and they are less effective than PPIs. Some cases of GERD may benefit of anti-reflux surgery. Your physician will help decide what is the best approach for treatment.
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