A new study by Washington University School of Medicine says popular medications to reduce stomach acid (such as Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and others) may be linked to some serious side-effects including death. The drugs fall into a class called proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) UNMC/Nebraska Medicine gastroenterologist Dr. Alex Hewlett told us more about the use of PPI's and how long term use will increase your risk of side effects.