Acid Reflux Medications and Side Effects

I've been taking Prilosec OTC twice a day (as I was told by a doctor, then told to cut down to once a day once heartburn isn't as bad), & I've notice my breast are sore. It's only a bit worse then when I am on my period... but it makes it hard to tell if the pain is heartburn pain or breast pain... Is this a side effect? And what should I do about it? I've been wearing my bras a hook losers so it doesn't bother me as much...

Im gaining weight since taking nexum, is there something else i can take?

Some recent research studies seem to indicatre that if those medications for acid reflux (proton pump inhibitors) are taken over 5-7 years they contribute to demineralization of bone. The acid in the

stomach is destroyed by these medications, which is how they combat the effects of acid reflux, but

the acid is needed for the bones to absorb calcium. I have some questions that I will take up with my

gastroenterologist: Is there a need to take these medications for that length of time? And can't

a substitute be used once the initial acid problems have been eliminated with the PPI medications or by some debridement of the bad tissue? 

davidtrans@aol.com  

I don't know how you can say PPI's have no side effects, everywhere I read on the subject people are having side effects, including myself, dizziness, headache, nausea just to mention a few, you Doctor's say what you think people want to hear while you get your kickbacks from the Drug companies. I don't know which is worse Gerd or the side effects of the medications.

Those symptoms were side effects of the problem, in my case, but the pain was what drove me taking the medications. With all due respect, the doctors need to get their acts together and find a unifying voice and solution on this matter. Pronto. Because their patients are all screaming about the same complaints and are losing their patience. This has gone on too long Dr., for you and your colleagues NOT to know what the source of this trouble is!