FDA Warning About Getting Serious Infections While Taking Acid-reducing Drugs

One of the most common drug classes now in use is PPIs, such as Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, and Protonics. These drugs treat excess gastric acid and reflux disease. In the past, they have been linked to nutritional deficiencies and increase risk of fractures. Now the FDA warns the public about getting severe, persistent, watery diarrhea from C. difficile when taking PPI drugs long term. This can be a life-threatening infection. There are a number of natural products that can often help these gastrointestinal problems, such as aloe vera, bentonite, and mucin-containing antacids. Minimize your dependence on PPIs and if you take them, be alert for severe diarrhea. Go to your physician immediately if it occurs. See the FDA MedWatch program.