A large-scale Belgian study, conducted in collaboration with general practices, indicates that seven out of ten patients who take daily acid suppressors can completely discontinue them after one year. This is achieved under the guidance of a GP using a specific tapering schedule. Stomach complaints rarely return, and many patients report an improved quality of life.
The findings from the PEPPER study, funded by the Belgian Federal Knowledge Centre for Public Health (KCE) and coordinated by UZ Leuven, provide GPs with concrete tools to address the overuse of this medication. Belgium has a high consumption of acid suppressors, leading to significant healthcare costs and potential health risks with prolonged use.
The study followed 628 patients who had been taking daily acid suppressors for an average of nine years. Various tapering strategies were compared: a classic intermittent schedule, 'on demand' use, and switching to an alginate as a stomach acid protector. The 'on demand' approach and the use of alginates yielded the best results.
By the end of the study year, between 67% and 73% of patients had stopped chronic use. Over forty percent required acid suppressors only minimally for a full year. Patients reported fewer complaints, such as bloating, and showed improved iron and vitamin B12 levels.
Prof. dr. Jan Tack, lead researcher and gastroenterologist at UZ Leuven, emphasizes that many patients wrongly believe they are permanently dependent on their medication. 'Our results clearly show that seven out of ten chronic users can function perfectly without them,' stated Tack. 'With the right guidance, we can break the vicious cycle of chronic prescribing.'
Frank Vandenbroucke, federal minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, welcomed the study. 'These findings prove that our ambition to reduce excessive use is not only necessary but also perfectly achievable without compromising patient quality,' the minister commented. 'Clear guidelines for GPs can save millions in unnecessary expenses, which can be reinvested in care where it truly makes a difference.'
The results of the PEPPER study will be presented on October 15th during a symposium in Leuven and have been selected for the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week in Barcelona.
