A drug designed for acid reflux has been linked to stomach cancer, according to new findings.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) help to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.

A study published by the University of Hong Kong and University College London showed that PPIs more than doubled the risk of developing the disease.

When the drug was used for more than a year, the risk of developing stomach cancer rose five-fold, and as high as eight-fold after three or more years.

Responding to the study, Stephen Evans, professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine confirmed that there were many adverse effects associated with PPIs.

Akashic Times is the UK’s only online, fully independent not-for-profit newspaper that brings you real news from across the globe.

If you want to keep ahead of what is really going on in the world, subscribe to our newspaper via the subscribe button and join our Facebook & Twitter pages. Subscription is completely free ofcourse