Do Acid Reflux Drugs Carry Fracture Risk?

You may want to explore options other than medication to relieve your heartburn. While a certain class of drugs aimed at relieving gastroesophageal reflux disease may go a long way in reducing the acid produced in your stomach, they may also be harming your body’s ability to absorb bone supporting minerals.

PPI’s or proton pump inhibitors such a Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec have been used for years to counter the effects of heartburn, but studies show that these drugs inhibit the absorption of calcium especially in those who have taken the prescription medications for a year or more. The FDA has confirmed these findings and adds that people taking a high dose of PPI’s are also at increased risk for fracture in the wrist, hips, and spine.

The general public has not been aware of these findings and the proliferation of these types of drugs on the market puts many at risk. For this reason the FDA is instructing PPI manufacturers to include fracture risk information on the labels of both prescription and over-the-counter versions of these drugs.

Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a small flap located at the top of the stomach weakens and allows food and stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus.

Researchers suggest that some alternatives to PPI drugs may be altering your diet to include probiotics and vitamin D. Reduce foods that trigger heartburn such as sugars, processed foods and alcohol, and implementing an exercise regimen to improve your body’s immune system.