Middleeast Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical conference

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most commonly prescribed medications. They are efficacious and useful in the management of a variety of conditions including Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), reflux esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcer disease. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between chronic proton pump inhibitor (PPI) utilization and adverse events such as fractures, infections, hypomagnesaemia and vitamin B12 deficiency. Because patients taking PPIs for an extended period of time are more susceptible to these adverse events, an approach to tapering patients off PPIs is clinically warranted. This project contributes to existing knowledge by showing that the inclusion of clinical pharmacists to identify eligible candidates and recommend a PPI taper yields, a reduction in PPI use and medication cost savings in primary care.