Do PPI's have side effects? Yes

[Jean (Liliana's mom)]

I have often heard it said (by doctors and in this forum) that PPI's have no or miminal side effects, but I've come across information to the contrary and felt I should pass it along. Obviously many of our kids absolutely need them and there is not a lot we can do, but this information has led me to consider trying to wean my dd onto a smaller dose when she gets past the peak reflux months.

The guidelines of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition regarding pediatric GERD were updated in October 2009 (last version was issued in 2001). The report discusses PPI's and states the following:

• Increasing evidence suggests that acid suppression is associated with increased rates of pneumonia and gastrenteritis in children, and candidemia and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.
• PPI's have been shown to alter the gastric and intestinal flora.
• Animal studies suggest that acid suppression may predispose to the development of food allergies.
• Other side effects of PPIs include headache, diahhrea, constipation, nausea, hyperplasia and acute renal failure.

If you are interested in reading the report (which discusses much more than the side effects of PPIs but to me this was the most important information), here is the link:
http://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Fulltex...inical.22.aspx

[Moonbmr72]

Yep.

I think there is also something with calcium levels dropping.

I noticed with Payton that after about 6 months or so he developed a lot of gas and I figured it was because of the decreased acid production causing inefficient digestion. But that is just my hypothesis.

It's something that we as parents need to weigh against what happens to our children without the PPI. However, the effects you posted are possible after long-term exposure at higher doses. If I remember correctly (it's been a long time) it takes years to get to the more severe side-effects (someone correct me if I'm wrong), so I wouldn't be too concerned. You doctor should start to wean your daughter off in a trial to see how she is doing once you notice her reflux subsiding anyway.

The effects without the PPI can be devistating in the short-term. Esophogeal ulcers, possible perforation because of them and infection in the plural cavity, increased acid production and a very very unhappy and painful child as we all know.

It is good to be aware of the risks, because as many of us have found out, our children's doctors rarely give us the full story.

Don't be worried about those effects in the short term. Thanks for posting the article for us!

[scarlet]

They also decrease iron and B12 absorption. By far though most kids don't get many side effects and are at a lot higher risk of similar side effects if not medicated like Krista said. In terms of wean we always recommend lowest dose to get the job done you will know soon enough if she needs more.

Prevacid also can decrease appetite.

[Twins plus Two]

I know my two have been anaemic every time they've been tested but no one has ever mentioned the iron absorption link to me personally, I've only read it here.

Rachel, how come Prevacid can affect appetite but not Prilosec/omeprazole? Do you know? I've always been puzzles by that.

kate x

[scarlet]

Kate I have no idea, I have only heard it here of people who have been on prevacid and switched and seen the difference. My Paed is sure Parkers low iron now is cause of prilosec, they used to think it was cause he was FTT and eating nothing with iron in it, but now he is eating a full diet, they think it is the PPI. The kids have been tested for celiac? Low iron can be a sign to that.

[Twins plus Two]

Yes, several times, always negative on biopsy, variable in blood tests. A's hair loss has always worried me too because I know that's a sign.

[amylou1977]

prevacid made Alexis appetite increase maybe we are not the norm though.

[Jean (Liliana's mom)]

Thank you, Krista and Rachel, for putting things into perspective. While I was disheartened to read about the side effects discussed in the report, and to hear about the additional ones discussed here, I am truly grateful for the quality of life the Prevacid has given my dd and the protection against GERD-related diseases that it conveys.

I have noticed a bit of a reduction in my dd's appetite during the day, but because she has a night waking habit and breastfeeds throughout the night she is still gaining weight (so maybe the bad sleep is a blessing in disguise).

[AllieandJacksProudMama]

prevacid decreased both of my kids' appetites substantially. When we increased their doses, we saw a huge decrease in appetite. If you see that to be the case, you may want to try switching. Jackson went from taking about 18 oz a day of breast milk to 40 oz a day after we switched him to prilosec (I am not joking). Now that he is older, he is quite a picky eater, but it made a huge difference for us.

[Jean (Liliana's mom)]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Christyn, I will definitely discuss Prilosec with my Ped. Are there any other differences between Prilosec and Prevacid that you know of, other than effect on apetite? I wonder why my ped chose to prescribe Prevacid in the first place if there are better options available.