Protonix is a common drug given to patients who have suffered damage to their esophagus via excessive stomach acid that can occur in those with GERD or other gastrointestinal issues. Protonix side effects, both the good and the bad, are main concerns of anyone taking the drug, as it is with any prescription drug.
When taking any drug, it's important to know what the drug is, what it's commonly prescribed for and the possible side effects. In this article, we will be discussing Protonix, and Protonix side effects. As with any medication, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. The most common side effects aren't too concerning to those taking Protonix. However, there are some possible severe side effects that could be experienced by those taking this drug.
Any severe side effects should be reported to your doctor and even the common, less severe side effects should be monitored. If any side effect proceeds for an extended period, your doctor should be informed. This article should help you get a better idea about the drug and what you can expect when taking it, including the benefits, risks, and possible side effects.
It's important to note that you should talk extensively to your doctor about your symptoms and concerns, and ensure they know all the over-the-counter medications, as well as prescription medications you take. Always be sure, when taking any medication, that you follow the instructions of your doctor.
What Is Protonix?
Protonix, also known as pantoprazole, is used to treat damage to the esophagus from stomach acid. High amounts of stomach acid is damaging to the esophagus, and is usually due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as GERD. Protonix is a proton pump inhibiter that aids in decreasing the amount of stomach acid due to GERD, as well as any other disease or condition that causes the presence of excessive stomach acid. It helps to relieve symptoms such as persistent coughing, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing.
Protonix is usually given to a patient for 8 weeks at a time until the esophagus heals. It may even be helpful in preventing cancer of the esophagus. It falls into the drug class of proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs.
It is intended to be a short term treatment for damage to the esophagus, and extended use may increase the chances of negative Protonix side effects that could be very damaging to the body. It's important to follow the exact instructions of your doctor when taking Protonix, and be sure to let your doctor know of any extreme mental or bodily changes that may occur while taking this medication.
Your doctor will prescribe this medication if they feel that the benefits of taking it will outweigh any negative side effects you may experience. The studies show that it is beneficial to most who are prescribed Protonix and experience relief of many uncomfortable symptoms related to acidic damage in the esophagus.
The Good
Although there are Protonix side effects, there are a lot of benefits to taking the drug. Many doctors use this prescription to help patients who suffer from persistent gastrointestinal issues that can lead to acidic damage within the throat and stomach. Here, we will discuss the good that Protonix can do. You will get the most good out of the medication if you take it the same time each day.
Protonix Aids in Healing Acid Damage
The main reason this drug is prescribed to patients is to aid with healing the stomach and esophagus from damages caused by excessive stomach acid. It increases the healing time and also helps relieve the following symptoms:
- Heartburn
- Throat pain
- Persistent cough
- Difficultly when swallowing
May Reduce Chances of Esophagus Cancer
Because excessive acid can lead to cancer risk, the healing of the esophagus will help reduce the chances of cancer.
The Bad
There are possible negative side effects with most medications. Here we will be listing and discussing all the negative Protonix side effects that you should inform your doctor of immediately if you experience while taking the drug. You should never take a drug that is not prescribed to you or give your prescription drugs to anyone else.
Negative Protonix Side Effects
Your doctor will be able to tell you ways to lessen the possible negative Protonix side effects. It's also important to note that the most common Protonix side effects may become more severe the longer you take the medication, as it's intended for short-term use.
The most common Protonix side effects are nausea and diarrhea. These effect most people early on when taking the medication and these common Protonix side effects usually end after a few days of taking the medication. If they persist, or if you experience any other side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
Other Possible Protonix Side Effects
Most of the possible Protonix side effects do not require immediate medical attention. However, the more severe side effects that could implicate an allergic reaction should be immediately reported to your doctor. Here is a comprehensive list of side effects that have been reported by patients taking Protonix:
When to Be Concerned
Any persistent Protonix side effect should be reported to your doctor. The more severe, (and less common) side effects, such as seizures, loss of vision or blood in urine, stool or vomit, should be reported immediately. You should keep a record of side effects you experience while taking Protonix and always discuss any changes in your body.
Mental issues are very rare when taking this medication, but if you notice any changes in mood or extreme changes in your way of thinking, it's important to tell your doctor as soon as possible. Any radical change in the body could indicate a bad reaction to the medication and should be taken seriously. If you are experiencing one or more of the possible severe side effects, it is time to be concerned and tell your doctor. However, if you are only experiencing small side effects, there is no need to take immediate action unless the side effect persists longer than a few days.
Conclusion
Protonix should be monitored by you and your doctor. If any Protonix side effects last longer than two days or continually get worse, your doctor should be notified. Be sure that you are taking the correct dosage, as prescribed by your doctor, and always discuss any and all other medications you are taking with your doctor to avoid any negative side effects.
Your doctor's instructions should eliminate the severe possible side effects. You should express any concerns you have about this medication with your doctor before you begin taking it. It is likely that your doctor will be able to give you peace of mind concerning the side effects by providing information as to why they believe the medication's benefit to you will heavily outweigh any of the side effects you may experience. As mentioned, nausea and diarrhea are the most common side effects and they usually do not last for extended periods of time.
Although rare, some individuals who have been prescribed Protonix experience an allergic reaction, which should always be taken seriously. For the most part, side effects reported most commonly weren't severe and didn't last for extended periods of time.
Protonix is successful for many in aiding the healing process of the esophagus due to acid damage, and is a common prescription for those who suffer from acid reflux, GERD and other gastrointestinal issues. It has been reported to aid in reducing many symptoms such as heartburn and difficulty swallowing. In addition to Protonix speeding up the healing process in patients with acidic damage to their esophagus, it has been shown to decrease the risk of cancer in the esophagus.
If these possible side effects are a concern to you, discuss them with your doctor. If you're currently taking Protonix, be on the lookout for the more severe side effects and reactions. Follow your doctor's instructions and report any changes in mood or your body to your doctor. Ignoring acidic damage to your esophagus could cause lots of problems down the road, including an increased risk of cancer and other issues. Protonix could be an easy fix to the damage your esophagus has undergone due to excessive acid from GERD and other issues.
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