Question: I have been using Pepcid AC for heartburn for more than 20 years. Could this have some negative long-term effects? Should I switch to something else? I’m 80, but in pretty good health.

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

Long-term use of Pepcid AC is usually a clue you need physician evaluation to understand what’s causing your heartburn. Although Pepcid use can be safe, if you’re taking it with physician’s supervision, I am concerned that you have no definitive diagnosis of the cause of your heartburn. All drugs can have adverse affects, and though Pepcid is commonly available without a prescription, your use has long exceeded the period advised for non-prescription self-management of heartburn. See your doctor and consider an endoscopic evaluation done by a gastroenterologist to check the health of your esophagus and stomach to be sure no premalignant changes or strictures are occurring.