Arthritis Foundation discusses risks and alternatives for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), drugs commonly used to treat heartburn and acid reflux disease, and are also prescribed for some people with arthritis and other conditions who regularly take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Some experts think PPIs are overprescribed and should be reserved for the most serious conditions like erosive esophageal disease and bleeding ulcers.

According to HSS rheumatologist Theodore R. Fields, MD, FACP, acid-blocking drugs called H2 receptor blockers are a safer choice for people with arthritis who use NSAIDs.

He said, “Since data came out increasing the list of potential side effects of PPIs, such as low magnesium, increased kidney risk, and increased fracture risk … many [doctors] will substitute [H2-blockers] for PPIs.”

Read the full article at Arthritis.com.