Dexilant and Its Potential Side Effects: Strategies for Minimization and Management
Dexilant, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribed for erosive esophagitis, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may have long-term side effects when used beyond one year.
One such side effect is the development of fundic gland polyps, growths in the stomach lining linked to prolonged PPI use. Other potential risks include vitamin B12 deficiency, low magnesium levels, increased risk of chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal infections, and bone fractures.
Long-term use of Dexilant may also potentially increase the risk of gastric cancer, although further research is needed to confirm this. Emerging evidence also suggests a possible link between long-term PPI use and neurological effects such as cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Dexilant include abdominal pain, vomiting, gas, headache, weight gain, high blood pressure, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, nausea, and mild allergic reaction. In severe cases, diarrhea may be caused by a C. diff infection, which may also cause additional symptoms such as a fever.
For mild diarrhea caused by Dexilant, an antidiarrheal medication like Imodium (loperamide) may be recommended. For diarrhea related to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary. For severe or bothersome nausea during treatment with Dexilant, it may be helpful to take the dose with food.
It is important to note that there is no known interaction between alcohol and Dexilant, but alcohol may worsen symptoms of erosive esophagitis or GERD. Your doctor may recommend limiting your alcohol consumption.
If you have a mineral deficiency, liver problems, lupus, or a history of allergic reactions to Dexilant or its ingredients, it is important to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss the use of Dexilant with your doctor.
Because Dexilant is a PPI similar to lansoprazole and esomeprazole, these class-wide effects are generally applicable to dexlansoprazole as well. Patients should consult their healthcare providers to evaluate risks and benefits for long-term use and monitor for these side effects.
References: [1] Esomeprazole long-term effects including fundic gland polyps and vitamin B12 deficiency. [2] Lansoprazole adverse reactions including electrolyte imbalances and infections. [3] Studies linking PPIs to chronic kidney disease and gastric cancer. [4] PPIs increase risk of fractures, infections, and possible cognitive effects. [5] Acid blockers impair nutrient absorption and may increase infection risk.
- The long-term use of medications like Dexilant, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), may lead to the development of digestive-health issues such as fundic gland polyps and vitamin B12 deficiency.
- In the realm of medical-conditions, proton pump inhibitors like Dexilant have been linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal infections, bone fractures, and potential neurological effects such as cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia.
- Pharmacy recommendations may include antidiarrheal medications for mild digestive-health issues caused by Dexilant, but severe cases may require antibiotics or dietary changes.
- When considering health-and-wellness, it's crucial to discuss personal medical history, such as mineral deficiencies, liver problems, lupus, allergic reactions to similar medications, pregnancy, or breastfeeding status, with a doctor before starting treatment with a proton pump inhibitor like Dexilant.
