The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) today released the following statement in response to the JAMA Internal Medicine study “Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.”

“Millions of consumers rely on safe and effective over-the-counter (OTC) proton pump inhibitors (PPI) to relieve frequent heartburn symptoms. As with any OTC medication, consumers should read and follow the Drug Facts label closely to understand what the medicine is used for, to assure it is appropriate for use with their symptoms, to ensure appropriate dosing including duration of use, and to avoid drug interactions. Any severe or persistent symptoms should be immediately reported to a healthcare provider.

“It is important to note that the article published recently in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine assessed possible association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the long-term use of prescription PPIs. Currently available safety data as well as cumulative experience on the use of OTC PPIs does not warrant any revision of clinical practice or recommendations for use. The published data on any possible association needs further review and verification and does not change the well-established safe and effective proper use of PPIs.

“The over-the-counter availability of PPI products provides an important health benefit to consumers and direct cost savings for the healthcare system. Previous research from CHPA and the Nielsen Company indicates 94 percent patient satisfaction with OTC heartburn medications and estimates that OTC therapy saves patients an average total of $174 each in office visits and medication costs annually.

“All OTC medicines, including PPI products, are regulated by Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Each OTC PPI product has been extensively reviewed by the FDA before approval, and FDA's MedWatch website allows individuals to report adverse events and gives current updates on product safety information.”

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is the 135-year-old national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary supplements. Every dollar spent by consumers on OTC medicines saves the U.S. healthcare system $6-$7, contributing a total of $102 billion in savings each year. CHPA is committed to empowering consumer self-care by preserving and expanding choice and availability of consumer healthcare products.

chpa.org