Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are medicines like omeprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole. They are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. They are very effective for treating acid reflux and heartburn, but taking them for too long has become a public health concern. In Ras Al Khaimah, a research project is turning awareness into real change, helping people use these medicines safely and wisely.

The Hidden Problem Behind the Pill

Around the world, about one in four adults has been prescribed a PPI. These medicines are useful for short periods, but many people continue taking them for months or even years often without needing them anymore.

Research shows that many patients use PPIs inappropriately, with estimates ranging from 11% to 84% [1,2]. Using PPIs for too long without medical supervision can cause side effects such as kidney issues, vitamin shortages, and bone weakness. It also increases healthcare costs unnecessarily.

In the UAE, as in many countries, the main reason for this is a lack of awareness. Many patients do not know why they were prescribed PPIs or whether they still need them.

Introducing the RAK-DEPRESCRIBE Project

To address this challenge, Professor (Dr) Syed Arman Rabbani at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University undertook the RAK-DEPRESCRIBE Project, which stands for “Ras Al Khaimah Pharmacist-led Educational Intervention to Deprescribe PPIs.”

This ongoing research study includes two groups:

• One group receives education and support from pharmacists and doctors.
• The other group (control group) continues with their usual care.
  
  

Pharmacists play a leading role. They make doctors aware of how to safely reduce unnecessary medication use and educate patients about proper PPI use. Doctors also follow clear medical guidelines to support safe and evidence-based decisions.

Education That Empowers

In the study, pharmacists are working closely with doctors to deliver patient education sessions. So far, 150 patients have received these sessions, which explain what PPIs are used for, their possible side effects, and how to know when it is time to stop taking them.

Many patients are already on low doses, and under medical supervision, some have been able to reduce or stop their medication safely. The sessions are helping participants make informed choices about their health.

Early Findings: Promising Results

Early results from the RAK-DEPRESCRIBE study have been encouraging. Interim data analysis revealed that in the education group, about 70% of patients were able to safely stop taking inappropriate PPIs with their doctor’s guidance.

Patients reported feeling more informed, confident, and reassured. Many said they finally understood why they were taking the medication and felt comfortable discussing when to stop it.

In comparison, the control group showed little to no change confirming that structured, pharmacist-led education makes a real difference.

Why It Matters

The RAK-DEPRESCRIBE project highlights how collaboration between pharmacists, doctors, and patients can make healthcare safer and more effective. By improving communication and providing education, the team aims to reduce unnecessary medication use, preventing side effects and cutting healthcare costs. This project is paving the way for smarter healthcare in the UAE, where teamwork and awareness drive better outcomes for everyone. Such initiatives could inform rational-medicine-use strategies.

A Step Toward Smarter Healthcare

The RAK-DEPRESCRIBE project is not just about stopping a medicine - it’s about giving people knowledge and confidence.

When patients understand their treatments and healthcare professionals communicate clearly, everyone benefits. Looking ahead, RAK-DEPRESCRIBE aims to align with Ras Al Khaimah’s health-innovation vision and deepen collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention to scale safer, smarter medication use across the emirate and beyond.

This initiative shows that education isn’t just information - it’s empowerment that turns prescriptions into informed choices.

References

1. Shanika LGT, Reynolds A, Pattison S, Braund R. Proton pump inhibitor use: systematic review of global trends and practices. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2023 Sep;79(9):1159-1172. doi: 10.1007/s00228-023-03534-z
   
   
2. Naunton M, Peterson GM, Deeks LS, Young H, Kosari S. We have had a gutful: The need for deprescribing proton pump inhibitors. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2018 Feb;43(1):65-72. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12613