28 décembre, 2006 14:57

Heartburn Drugs Linked to Increased Risk of Hip Fractures

Drugs that are popular choices for relieving acid indigestion, such as Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec, have been linked to increased incidence of fracture in people over 50 who have used them for more than a year.

A team of researchers in Britain conducted a large study that led to the conclusion that drugs commonly prescribed for heartburn could raise the risk of a hip fracture in an elderly population that is particularly vulnerable to this potentially life-threatening injury.

One hypothesis is that the drugs interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium, resulting in weaker bones.

Heartburn itself can be serious. Some people who suffer from chronic heartburn develop esophageal ulcers and, rarely, esophageal cancer.

Doctors need to exercise caution in advising patients regarding use of the drugs, the researchers said.