FDA Updates Warning Label on Heartburn Medications for Increased Fracture Risk
The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently warned consumers that medications known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can increase the risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures. PPIs are typically used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers, small intestine ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, and frequent heartburn. The labels of the drugs will be updated with the possible risk. The updated warning labels are the result of several studies that found an increased risks of hip, wrist and spine fractures in patients using PPIs in high doses or long-term use.
PPIs that are included in the warning are:
Aciphex (rabeprazole)
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
Nexium (esomeprazole)
Prevacid, Prevacid 24HR (lansoprazole)
Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid, Zegerid OTC (omeprazole)
Protonix (pantoprazole)