8/02/2011

Warning on proton pump inhibitors and fracture risk

FDA warns can be health professionals and patients, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the risk of hip fractures of the spine and wrist. The labeling of drugs' is being revised to reflect these concerns. PPIs are used to reduce stomach acid, and Nexium (esomeprazole), Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), Prilosec (omeprazole), Zegerid (omeprazole and sodium bicarbonate), Protonix (pantoprazole), Aciphex (rabeprazole) and Prevacid (lansoprazole ). The new safety informationbased upon FDA review of numerous epidemiological studies. These studies have shown that patients treated with high doses of drugs or kept them for a year or more had a higher risk of fractures. Since most of these patients were older than 50 years, the increased risk was observed, especially in this age group. Physicians who prescribe proton pump inhibitors, the possibility of an increased risk of fractures, and if a lower dose or shorter duration of therapy may be possible.Patients at risk for osteoporosis should have been handled in their bones, and owes its diet with adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium. Patients need to understand the prescription of proton pump inhibitors, the possibility of an increased risk of fractures, but was told to discontinue medications without consulting their doctor. People with over-the-counter PPI for heartburn should be told, held the drugs for more than 14 consecutive days, and notfor ...