Following a study which proved that PPIs cause calcium malabsorption many doctors reduced number of prescriptions for PPIs they give to patients. According to recent studies people who take PPIs for a long period of time have increased risk of fractures. This is caused by the fact that PPI drugs significantly decrease level of acid in this stomach which in its turn decrease levels of calcium absorption. Before these studies PPIs were generally considered by doctors as completely safe drugs without significant side effects and were prescribed pretty much in most acid reflux related cases.
Following prescription drugs are part of PPI family: Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid, Protonix, and Aciphex. OTC brands include Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC and Prevacid 24HR.
Recent studies covering patients 50 years or older found that those who took PPIs for periods longer than 1 year have increased risk of hip, wrist, spine and other osteoporotics fractures. Before the studies doctors thought that fractures were caused by different reasons like age and postmenopausal osteoporosis. But based on the results this is not the case.
Thus be cautious when taking PPI drugs – don’t use them for prolonged period of time especially if there is no real need for it. Try to replace it with wedge pillow and diet. This combination may significantly reduce need for PPIs.