Every coin has two sides, just like every medication.
The latest seemingly wonder drugs to have a down side are heartburn medications such as Prevacid, Prilosec and Nexium. The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that these medications will carry a warning label that links prolonged or high-dose use to a heightened risk for fractures, according to HealthDay.
High doses of these medicines, called proton pump inhibitors, have been associated with an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine, the news agency reported. They are available by prescription and over the counter.
PPIs block production of stomach acid from being produced. They may also block the body from absorbing calcium, leading to an increased fracture risk, HealthDay reported.
The FDA said that studies showed a possible increased risk of fractures with use that went on for a year or longer, or was at high doses, although those dosages weren’t reported. HealthDay reported that the FDA based its decision on the results of seven studies, six of which noted a link between PPIs and fracture, primarily among users aged 50 and over.
Proton pump inhibitors include the drugs esomeprazole (Nexium)), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid)), lansoprazole (Prevacid)), pantoprazole (Protonix)), and rabeprazole (Aciphex)). These medicines are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and small intestine ulcers and inflammation of the esophagus. Over-the-counter versions of Prevacid, Prilosec and Zegerid also fall into this class of drugs.
For people taking over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors, the FDA said they should only be taken for 14 days to help ease frequent heartburn. If heartburn continues, people should see their doctor. Under no circumstances should over-the-counter PPIs be taken for more than three 14-day periods in a year, the agency said.
By now, you know the drill. If you use these, talk to your doctor about whether the benefits outweigh any risks, or if there are other measures you can take to reduce or avoid heartburn.