Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)

Proton pump inhibitors have been linked to an increased risk of fractures, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The risk of proton pump inhibitor side effects has been found to increase with long-term use. The FDA has announced label changes that will reflect the increased risk of a hip, wrist or spine fracture linked to use of a proton pump inhibitor.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

Send your Proton Pump Inhibitor claim to a Lawyer who will review your case at NO COST or obligation.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Information

Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat heartburn. alt=

They are also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, and inflammation of the esophagus.

Prescription PPI medications in the proton pump inhibitor class include: (Generic name in parentheses)

Nexium (esomeprazole)
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
Prevacid (iansoprazole)
Prilosec (omeprazole)
Zegerid (omeprazole)
Protonix (pantroprazole)
Aciphex (rabeprazole)
Vimovo (naproxen and esomeprazole magnesium)

Proton pump inhibitors sold over-the-counter include:

Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)
Zegerid OTC (omeprazole)
Prevacid 24HR (iansoprazole).

Proton Pump Inhibitor Side Effects

Long-term and/or high dose use of proton pump inhibitors has been linked to an increased risk of fractures, including hip, wrist and spine fractures. A study examining 145,000 people in England found patients who used the medications for more than a year had a 44 percent higher risk of hip fracture than people who did not use the medications. The largest risk was seen in people who took high doses of the drugs for more than a year. In that group, the risk of hip fractures was twice as great as patients who did not use the medications.

An editorial accompanying studies in the May issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine noted that proton pump inhibitors have US sales of $13.9 billion annually. The same editorial argues that proton pump inhibitors have been overprescribed for inappropriate uses.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Warning

According to the FDA news release (05/25/10), the FDA's review of several studies, "found those at greatest risk for these fractures received high doses of proton pump inhibitors or used them for one year or more." FDA notes the majority of people evaluated were 50 years of age or older and this age group showed an increased risk of fracture. Although the risk was observed in people using prescription proton pump inhibitors, the label on over-the-counter medications is also being changed as a precaution.

Over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors are recommended only for 14 days of continuous use.

Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered fracture or an adverse health event as a result of using any of the above mentioned products, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.

Please click here for a free evaluation of your Proton Pump Inhibitor case

Last updated on May-24-11

PROTON PUMP INHIBITOR ARTICLES AND INTERVIEWS

New Study Links Proton Pump Inhibitor Medications to Fractures

Dallas, TX: A new study suggests a link between the use of proton pump inhibitor medications and a risk of bone fractures. The study adds to concerns that proton pump inhibitor side effects include a risk of fractures—a risk that has been included on the warning label for long-term-use Proton Pump Inhibitors (also known as PPIs). Proton pump inhibitor medications are used to prevent acid reflux, but even though over-the-counter PPIs are meant only for 14 days of continuous use, some patients reportedly used them for much longer as a preventative measure.
[READ MORE]

FDA Says Proton Pump Inhibitors Side Effects Can Include Low Magnesium Levels

Washington, DC: According to a recent release from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), long-term proton pump inhibitor use can lead to low serum magnesium levels, which can cause adverse events such as seizures [READ MORE]

Stuck on the Proton Pump Inhibitor Treadmill

Towson, MD: Tema has been taking proton pump inhibitors (known as PPIs), both prescription and over-the-counter heartburn medications, for 22 years. "I still have acid reflux problems so what's the point of taking PPIs?" says Tema. "That's a lot of money I've wasted, but I can't stop taking them, and now I'm really concerned about the increased risk of PPI fractures. [READ MORE]