YOUR ACID REFLUX TREATMENT COULD BE HURTING, NOT HELPING.

If long-term antacid use isn’t relieving your symptoms, it’s time to find out what’s really causing your reflux. See a gastroenterologist (GI) for answers.

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SYMPTOMS DON’T TELL THE WHOLE STORY

Some studies have shown a  possible association between long-term use of antacids proton-pump inhibitor drugs (PPIs) with osteoporosis, dementia, bone fractures, gastric polyps, and certain infections.1-3 And yet, one in three people taking antacids doesn’t actually have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).5

GORD is often diagnosed based on symptoms and a patient’s response to antacid medication. However, neither is enough to confirm a diagnosis. Only reflux testing can tell you for sure.13

Graphic illustrating the stat that one in three people on antacids doesn't actually have GERD.

GET An accurate DIAGNOSIS AND A PLAN OF ACTION  

The Bravo™ reflux testing system provides insights your GI uses to confirm or rule out GORD as the root cause of your symptoms.2 Following reflux testing, 50% of patients discontinue antacid medication.6

Testing involves placing a small capsule in your oesophagus that will track your pH levels (acidity) for up to four days. It sends the data to a compact, wearable device throughout the day.

LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLUX TESTING
A male patient wearing a Bravo recorder meets with his physician.

CHRONIC ACID REFLUX?<br>
YOU MAY BE AT RISK  

Without intervention, 26.5% of chronic GORD patients may develop a precancerous condition called Barrett's oesophagus.4 Other risk factors include tobacco use, obesity, hiatal hernia, and family history.7-12

If you’re taking antacids and still suffer from symptoms (heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing at night), see a GI to find answers and relief. 

PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT
Graphic illustrating that up to 26.5% of GORD patients may develop Barrett's oesophagus in their lifetime

GORD TOOLs AND RESOURCES

TRACK YOUR SYMPTOMS

pdf GORD Symptom Tracker (.pdf)

Use this form to track your heartburn, reflux, and related symptoms — and then share the results with your doctor.

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DOWNLOAD TRACKER
Use this resource to track your symptoms of GORD and share the results with your doctor

ASSESS YOUR RISK

pdf Barrett's Oesophagus Risk Assessment (.pdf)

Complete this short quiz to understand your risk of progressing from GORD to Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophageal cancer.

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TAKE THE QUIZ
Use this resource to assess your risk for Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer

Get Answers

pdf Frequently Asked Questions (.pdf)

Download a list of frequently asked questions about Barrett’s oesophagus, including risk, symptoms, and treatment options.

132KB

READ FAQ
See our list of FAQ's
1

Richter JE, Pandolfino JE, Vela MF, Kahrilas PJ, Lacy BE, Ganz R, et al. Utilization of wireless pH monitoring technologies: a summary of the proceedings from the Esophageal Diagnostic Working Group. Diseases of the Esophagus. 2013 Nov;26(8):755-65

2

Vakil N. Prescribing proton pump inhibitors: is it time to pause and rethink? Drugs. 2012 Mar 5;72(4):437-45

3

Freedberg., Kim, Yang. The Risks and Benefits of Long-term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors: Expert Review and Best Practice Advice From the American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroenterology 2017;152:706-715

4

Dymedex Market Development Consulting, Strategic Market Assessment, GERD, October 30, 2014. References .1-3, 6-15, 22, 23, 25, and 34 from the full citation list, access at http://www.medtronic.com/giclaims.

5

Herregods, T.V.K., et al. Patients with refractory reflux symptoms often do not have GERD: Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2015;27(9): 1267-1273

6

Triadafilopoulos G, Zikos T, Regalia K, et al. Use of Esophageal pH Monitoring to Minimize Proton-Pump Inhibitor Utilization in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms. Digestive Diseases And Sciences. 2018;63(10):2673-2680. doi:10.1007/s10620-018-5183-4.

7

Spechler S. et al. Barrett’s Esophagus. N Engl J Med. 2014; 371:836-45.

8

Evans JA et al. The role of endoscopy in Barrett’s esophagus and other premalignant conditions of the esophagus. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2012;27(6):1087-1094 

9

Shaheen NJ, Sharma P, et al. Radiofrequency Ablation in Barrett’s Esophagus with Dysplasia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009 May;360(22):2277-2288.

10

Chak A, Lee T, Kinnard MF, et al. Familial aggregation of Barrett’s oesophagus, oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma in Caucasian adults. Gut. 2002 Sep;51(3):323-8

11

Anaparthy R, Gaddam S, Kanakadandi V, et al. Association Between Length of Barrett’s Esophagus and Risk of High-Grade Dysplasia or Adenocarcinoma in Patients Without Dysplasia. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Nov;11(11):1430-6,

12

Coleman H, Bhat S et al. Increasing incidence of Barrett’s oesophagus: a population-based study. Eur J Epidem. 2011 Sept;26(9):739-45. 

13

Gawon AJ, Pandolfino JE, Ambulatory Reflux Monitoring in GERD - Which Test Should be Performed and Should Therapy be Stopped? Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2013 Sep;15(4):316.

Information and resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Always discuss diagnosis and treatment information including risks with your doctor. Keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary.