FDA Warning—

Some Acid Reducing Drugs

May Lead To Increased Fractures

HARTFORD — The state Department of Consumer Protection is alerting consumers to new information from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about certain prescription and over-the-counter acid-reducing medications.

The FDA is revising its prescription and over-the-counter labels for a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors. These drugs work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach.

Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, and Vimovo are drugs prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach and small intestine ulcers, and inflammation of the esophagus. Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC, and Prevacid 24-hour are sold over-the-counter for the treatment of frequent heartburn.

Several research studies report an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with proton pump inhibitor use. Some studies found that those at greatest risk for these fractures were taking high doses of proton pump inhibitors or used them for a year or more.

Most of the research evaluated persons age 50 or older, and the increased risk of fracture was observed primarily in this age group.

More information can be found on the FDA website at www.fda.gov.