Popular Heartburn Medications Linked To Unusual Bone Fractures

In a recent publication of the Annals of Family Medicine, evidence has added weight to the long-suspected link between heartburn medications and unusual bone fractures that coincide with their use. Researchers from the Department of Family Medicine at Hallym University Hospital in Chuncheon, Korea have discovered that a class of acid-suppressive heartburn drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) are associated with nearly a 30% increase in the risk of bone fractures.

The researchers in Korea implemented a meta-analysis that included numerous observational studies involving the following PPI’s:

• Nexium
• Prevacid
• Prilosec
• Protonix
• Aciphex
• Vimovo
• Zegerid

Researchers compared the previously mentioned PPI’s with the following histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs):

• Zantac
• Pepsid

Extensive research concluded that the PPI heartburn medications were responsible for a significant increase in bone fracture risk. Data indicated that the PPI’s were responsible for a 29% increase in unusual bone fracture risk. However, hip fractures were 31% higher than normal and vertebral fractures constituted a 54% higher risk.

In response to the adverse effects that have been reported about PPI’s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a news release in an attempt to warn the healthcare community. The following are excerpts from the press release:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers and health care professionals about a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with high doses or long-term use of a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors. The product labeling will be changed to describe this possible increased risk.

“Epidemiology studies suggest a possible increased risk of bone fractures with the use of proton pump inhibitors for one year or longer, or at high doses,” said Joyce Korvick, M.D., deputy director for safety in FDA’s Division of Gastroenterology Products. “Because these products are used by a great number of people, it’s important for the public to be aware of this possible increased risk and, when prescribing proton pump inhibitors, health care professionals should consider whether a lower dose or shorter duration of therapy would adequately treat the patient’s condition.”

Do I Have a Proton Pump Inhibitor Lawsuit?

The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in PPI lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a PPI, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and / or refund by participating in a PPI lawsuit and we can help.