LE Targownik et al. Gastroenterol 2022; 162: 1334-1342. Open Access: AGA Clinical Practice Update on De-Prescribing of Proton Pump Inhibitors: Expert Review
Background: “Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly used medications in the United States, if not the world. Observational studies have demonstrated that PPI use has increased over time and that 7%–15% of patients use these medications at any time, with the prevalence increasing to 40% for patients 70 years or older…In a large observational study examining ambulatory visits of PPI users, nearly two-thirds had no clear indication for PPI use.”
Some of the best practice advice:
- Best Practice Advice 2 All patients taking a PPI should have a regular review of the ongoing indications for use and documentation of that indication. This review should be the responsibility of the patient’s primary care provider.
- Best Practice Advice 3 Most patients with an indication for chronic PPI use who take twice-daily dosing should be considered for step down to once-daily PPI.
- Best Practice Advice 4 Patients with complicated gastroesophageal reflux disease, such as those with a history of severe erosive esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, or peptic stricture, should generally not be considered for PPI discontinuation.
- Best Practice Advice 5 Patients with known Barrett’s esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis should generally not be considered for a trial of de-prescribing.
- Best Practice Advice 7 Patients at high risk for upper gastrointestinal bleeding should not be considered for PPI de-prescribing.
- Best Practice Advice 10 The decision to discontinue PPIs should be based solely on the lack of an indication for PPI use, and not because of concern for PAAEs (PPI-associated adverse events).
My take: There are a lot of individuals who could benefit from de-prescribing PPIs.
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