Acid Suppression Therapy: Neutralizing the Hype
Over the past several years, some proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become available over-the-counter, which has led to even wider advertising of PPIs. Clinicians now face difficult challenges when considering acid suppression options for their patients including deciding when to prescribe acid-suppressive medications, whether to choose a PPI or another agent, and how long to continue therapy. Considerations of patient costs, medication adherence, and uncertainty about what patients may be purchasing over-the-counter compound the complexity of these prescribing decisions, as do recent studies suggesting previously unrecognized risks associated with PPI treatment.
The goal of this CME activity is to increase learner competence so that physicians can develop consistent strategies to manage the common conditions considered, and to use acid suppression medications more appropriately, compatible with the best available, most current evidence. This course was developed by the Alosa Foundation.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the few causes of GI symptoms that require long-term use of PPIs.
- Safely taper patients off of unnecessary PPIs.
- Test and treat H. pylori when indicated.
- Recognize "red flags" and refer those patients for additional evaluation.
Course Fees
MMS Member Physicians: $30
Nonmember Physicians: $55
Allied Health Professionals: $24
Format: Text & Graphics
CME Credit: 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
