Health Information

Heartburn Drugs May
Boost Hip-Fracture Risk
What helps your heartburn may be bad news for your hip bones, according to new research. A study comparing 40,000 people on acid-reducing medications with 130,000 not on the drugs found that victims of hip fractures were 30% more likely to be taking proton-pump inhibitors, such as Prevacol, Nexium and Prilosec. People who'd suffered fractures were 18% more likely to be on H2RA heartburn medications such as Zantac. Even short-term use increased the fracture risk, researchers reported at the Digestive Disease Week conference. The findings follow a study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that linked use of proton-pump inhibitors for five years or more to a greater risk of hip fractures. Scientists advised patients taking heartburn drugs to use the lowest effective dose, noting that the new study found risks lower for lesser doses. Those at risk for osteoporosis should consult their physicians about other treatment options.- Digestive Disease Week