The popular PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors) 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. Proton Pump Inhibitors are the third highest class of drugs in the U.S. Each year over 113 million
prescriptions are written and three are available without a prescription (Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zegerid). The FDA warned "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." This warning came after researchers linked PPIs to fracture risk in middle-aged adults.
In another study indicated that the drugs may also increase the risk of infection with C. difficile, a bacterium that
can cause severe diarrhea.
A study also indicated that the there is an increased likelihood of developing pneumonia. The study found that 1
in 200 patients taking the PPIs will develop pneumonia. There may be several reasons as to why acid suppressives may have this association with pneumonia; Acid-suppressive drugs may increase the risk for pneumonia by blocking gastric acid, which could lead to bacteria overgrowth in the upper gastrointestinal tract that may travel to the lungs. It’s also possible the acid-suppressive medication inhibits immune cells, reducing their ability to fight off bacteria and infection.
Check with our office about natural and safe ways of dealing with reflux and acid indigestion.
prescriptions are written and three are available without a prescription (Prilosec, Prevacid, and Zegerid). The FDA warned "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." This warning came after researchers linked PPIs to fracture risk in middle-aged adults.
In another study indicated that the drugs may also increase the risk of infection with C. difficile, a bacterium that
can cause severe diarrhea.
A study also indicated that the there is an increased likelihood of developing pneumonia. The study found that 1
in 200 patients taking the PPIs will develop pneumonia. There may be several reasons as to why acid suppressives may have this association with pneumonia; Acid-suppressive drugs may increase the risk for pneumonia by blocking gastric acid, which could lead to bacteria overgrowth in the upper gastrointestinal tract that may travel to the lungs. It’s also possible the acid-suppressive medication inhibits immune cells, reducing their ability to fight off bacteria and infection.
Check with our office about natural and safe ways of dealing with reflux and acid indigestion.
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