Bone Fractures And Antacids

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that there is a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine if you take certain drugs for heartburn, acid reflux, or ulcers.

The drugs belong to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. They are available both as prescription and as over-the-counter medications.

The prescription PPIs treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, and inflammation of the esophagus. The PPIs available over-the-counter are used to treat frequent heartburn.

The prescription PPIs that can increase the risk of bone fractures are

• Nexium
• Dexilant
• Prilosec
• Zegerid
• Prevacid
• Protonix
• Aciphex
• Vimovo

The over-the-counter PPIs are

• Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)
• Zegerid OTC (omeprazole)
• Prevacid 24HR (lansoprazole)

FDA Advice for Consumers On Medication For Bone Fractures

1. Do not stop taking your PPI unless you are told to do so by your health care professional.

2. Be aware that an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine have been reported in some studies of people who use PPIs. The greatest increased risk for these fractures was seen in those who receive high doses of these medications or use them for a year or longer.

3.Read and follow the directions on the “Drug Facts” label when considering the use of an over-the-counter PPI.

4. Be aware that the over-the-counter PPIs should only be used as directed for 14 days for the treatment of frequent heartburn. If your heartburn continues, talk to your health care professional. No more than three 14-day treatment courses should be used in one year.

5. Talk to your health care professional about any concerns you may have about using PPIs.

6.Report any side effects from the use of PPIs to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail, by fax, or by phone.

Other Advice On Acid Reflux And Heartburn

Being overweight can  lead to problems of acid reflux. Rather than just taking PPIs and ignoring your weight issue, get help to lose weight in a healthy and effective way. You'll get all sorts of other benefits from it too. PPIs may stop the heartburn but at what cost to you?

Try a digestive enzyme supplement. Many people find this makes a big difference.

Try probiotics. Buy a good quality one that will survive the harsh environment of the digestive syste to get where it needs to be to do its vital work.

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