National Medicines Symposium 2024 speakers (L to R): Steve Waller, Professor Jennifer Martin, Professor Libby Roughead, Tegan Taylor[/caption]
This CPD activity is sponsored by Reckitt. All content is the true, accurate and independent opinion of the speakers and the views expressed are entirely their own.[/caption]
Optimising proton pump inhibitor therapy in pharmacy
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a widely used pharmacological treatment option for management of gastro-oesophageal reflux.1
While data on PPIs highlighted concerns about long-term use and the need for appropriate prescribing, an analysis of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data following the introduction of prescribing restrictions in 2019 suggests that a reliance on PPIs for management of reflux symptoms remains.2
Indeed, PPIs are an effective and well-tolerated pharmacotherapy for reflux and can be used confidently in the correct indications: first-line as a regular therapy for frequent/severe symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), and second-line as an ‘on-demand’ therapy for mild/intermittent gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (see Therapeutic Guidelines for further information).1
However, for a variety of reasons, up to 40% of patients taking daily PPI for reflux symptoms are considered to have ‘PPI treatment failure’ or refractory GORD.3 Understanding the possible causes of persistent symptoms is important for pharmacists to efficientl
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