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9 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Bleeding Ulcers from NSAID Use

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Proton Pump Inhibitors Reduce Ulcer Risk

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Combining an NSAID with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) may decrease the risk of a stomach or duodenal ulcer. This is important for patients at increased risk. PPI's include Prilosec (available over-the-counter), Aciphex, Prevacid, Protonix and Nexium. There is also a product that combines naproxen and Prevacid in one product.

Along with PPI's, misoprostol (Cytotec) may decrease the risk of ulcer. This product needs to be taken 4 times/day with food to achieve maximum protection, but some protection occurs when taken twice daily. This product is also available in combination with diclofenac. Misoprostol combined with diclofenac is marketed as Arthrotec. Misoprostol is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or could become pregnant because it can cause abortion.

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