Should we avoid All Anti-Acid Medicines?

[karnik_y]

I came across this study on anti-acids causing gynecomastia:
http://www.lareb.nl/documents/kwb_2005_3_proto.pdf
I know Zantac can cause gyne .. it's already listed in this site (http://www.plasticsurgery4u.com/procedure_folder/male_breast/gynecomastia_causes.html). however I don't find omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix, Pantoloc), and rabeprazole (Aciphex) in the list of drugs.

it seems it decreses the testosterone level thereby causing gynecomastia..
Should we avoid anti-acids completely?

please advise.

[Paa_Paw]

The report has some faults.

It does not report how many patients were involved. If the drugs listed caused Gynecomastia in a large percentage of the total patients treated, this would be a major problem. If singular patients had the problem out of a large number treated with the drugs the risk would be slight.

As usual, the fundamental rule applies. Does the potential risk outweigh the potential benefit. That question comes into play with any drug.

I would certainly make sure my primary care Dr. was aware of the information and discuss the matter with him or her. There are anti Estrogen drugs that may be used prophylactically, But they too have some potentially adverse side effects.

Again, discuss this matter with your regular Dr.