More Specialty Recommendations on Testing: First, Do No Harm

Here is a link to more recommendations about testing, which tests are worth it and which are not.
Just a few things I learned.  Colonoscopy only needed every 10 year.
Bone density testing necessary after age 65.
They had a lot to say about PPI’s, or Proton Pump Inhibitors for GERD and gastric distress.  I wasn’t aware of the severity of the side effects of these medication.  In addition, 70% of patients taking these meds don’t have GERD, just indigestion. Be careful!!
I will excerpt some about PPI’s ahead.  We have discussed the new recommendations here and in the Newsletter.
“High doses of PPIs, and taking them for a year or longer, has been linked to an increased risk of bone fractures. Long-term use might also deplete magnesium blood levels, which, in turn, can trigger muscle spasms, irregular heartbeats, and convulsions. Another complication of long-term use is an intestinal infection called Clostridium difficile that can lead to severe diarrhea, fever and, in rare cases, death. PPIs can also interact with other medications. For example, omeprazole (Prilosec) can reduce the blood-thinning effect of the drug clopidogrel (Plavix), which can increase the risk of heart attack and even death. Esomeprazole (Nexium), and the H2 blocker, cimetidine (Tagamet), might also interact with Plavix in that same way.”