Acid Reflux Drugs Increase Risk Of Fractures
Proton-pump inhibitors -- the popular acid reflux drugs that fight stomach acid -- increase the risk of hip fractures, a U.S. study shows
The acid reflux drugs are Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec (called Losec in Europe), and Protonix. The drugs shut down the chemical "pump" needed by stomach cells to make acid. They are very effective for treating GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease).
That makes the acid-fighting drugs very popular. Together they rang up nearly $13 billion in U.S. sales in 2005 -- a year in which American doctors wrote more than 95 million prescriptions for the drugs. Prilosec is now available over the counter.
Now a new study shows that when taken long term the drugs may have a side effect: hip fracture. People over age 50 who take the drugs for more than 1 year have a 44% increased risk of...
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