title: Indications and safety of proton pump inhibitor drug use in patients with cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the exact prevalence of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use in cancer patients is not known, it is generally perceived to be widespread. PPIs are generally well tolerated and carry an excellent safety profile. However, increasing and longer term PPI use has raised concerns about the risk of pneumonia, bone fractures and enteric infections, and a possible interaction with clopidogrel that could increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a PubMed search of English language articles addressing the safety and adverse events associated with PPI use with particular emphasis in cancer patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PPIs, frequently used in cancer patients, are generally well tolerated and carry an excellent safety profile. PPI-induced acid suppression may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile or other enteric infections, nutritional deficiencies and community acquired pneumonia, all particularly important in cancer patients. The indications for PPI use in cancer patients should be carefully reviewed prior to use.
authors: Stanford University Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology, 300 Pasteur Drive, # M-211, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. vagt@stanford.edu
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Triadafilopoulos
authors: Andrew K
authors: AK
authors: Roorda
authors: Junichi
authors: J
authors: Akiyama
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors