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Dr. Richard A. Huntoon

Newburgh Chiropractor

 

FDA Warns of Fracture Risk From Acid Reflux Drugs

PPI Antacids Linked to Hip, Wrist, and Spine Fracture

By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

May 25, 2010 -- Popular PPI antacids -- Aciphex, Dexilant, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, Vimovo, and Zegerid -- raise the risk of bone fracture, especially when used for a year or more or at high doses, the FDA warns.

The warning comes after U.S. and Canadian researchers linked the use of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) to fracture risk in middle-aged adults.  Another U.S. study suggests that the drugs may also increase risk of infection with C. difficile, a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea  

"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 FDA today warned consumers.

The action follows FDA review of six studies that link PPIs to fractures, although the studies do not definitively prove that PPIs are the cause of the fractures seen in the studies.   

Most of the increased fracture risk is seen in people over age 50.

The federal agency will now require the warning to be added to the package labels of both the prescription and nonprescription versions of the drugs.   

The drugs all are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the most powerful class of antacid drugs. It's the third highest-selling class of drugs in the U.S. Each year, doctors write 113.4 million prescriptions for the drugs. Three -- Prevacid, Prilosec, and Zegerid -- are available without prescription.   

The drugs do a great job of reducing stomach acid. They're not only far more powerful than simple antacids (such as Maalox, Rolaids, and Tums) but also reduce stomach acid more than the H2RA drugs Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. 

These powerful drugs are supposed to be used only for serious conditions, but often are taken for simple heartburn. There's no doubt they're effective, but the benefit for minor conditions may not be worth the risk.

The FDA offers the following advice to patients:   

  • If your doctor recommended that you take a PPI, don't stop taking the medication until you discuss it with him or her.
  • The greatest risk from PPIs is among people who take high doses or remain on the drugs for a year or more.
  • Over-the-counter PPIs should be taken for only 14 days for treatment of frequent heartburn. No more than three 14-day courses should be taken in a single year.
  • Discuss any concerns you may have about taking PPIs with your doctor.
  • Report any possible PPI side effects to the FDA either online or by phone at (800) 332-1088.

If you are currently taking prescription medication for your symptoms and are interested in building more health and perhaps getting off your medication by addressing the cause of your health concern, please call the office and let us discuss your options.  I will work with your medical doctor to restore your health and reduce or eliminate the need for medication.


Dr. Huntoon has a single mission:

To support as many people as possible in their quest for health and enable them to improve and maintain their health to the highest level possible, while educating them about the benefits of Chiropractic, Natural Healthcare and Holistic Living, so they in turn can teach others to support us having a healthy community.

Your Choice

Health concerns are a major source of lost happiness and lost joy in all of our lives. Finding a solution that is agreeable and enables you to get back to your life is important. Please appreciate that you always have the more invasive surgery and prescription medication available to you as a last resort. What many Traditional Medical Doctors may not share is, many times, once you begin that journey into medication and/or surgery, it alters your original body from the one that you were born with. Unfortunately, at that time, more conservative and natural treatments may no longer be viable. I encourage you to consider that before making any decisions about treatment for your health. As always I am here to help. 
 
Your Choice:
 
  • Continue doing the same thing and nothing changes or it may get worse

OR

  • Try something different and get a different result that makes you happier and healthier.
 
The Choice is Yours
 
Please call Dr. Huntoon at 845-561-BACK (2225) to discuss your options or click on our E-Visit to do it via e-mail. 
 
Thank You for your consideration.

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