Almost everyone in the United States suffers from heartburn at some point. But for a select few, heartburn can be a symptom of a much more serious condition like stomach ulcers or Acid Reflux Disease, also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This chronic condition occurs when stomach acid is forced up into the esophagus, literally burning the unprotected tissue.

One treatment involves taking a class of prescription drugs including Prevacid, Priolosec, and Nexium. This class, called Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPIs, act by directly shutting down the "pumps" in the stomach that inject acid into the stomach. This in turn lowers acid levels, reducing or stopping the painful symptoms.

Prevacid, Prilosec, and Nexium have proven quite effective for treating these conditions. And although they are not meant for long-term use (Nexium, for example, should be used only for four to eight weeks), most doctors feel that they are safe enough to prescribe for substantially longer periods of time. Further, doctors may feel comfortable prescribing the drugs to people who may not require this strong of a treatment option, but who have seen commercials and request it by name – again, because these PPIs are viewed as “safe” drugs.

However the problem arises that a potentially serious and even deadly side effect of the drug is found after years of casual use. And this is exactly what happened in the case of PPIs.  In a 2006 study, researchers found that Prevacid, Prilosec, and Nexium can all increase the risk of hip fracture for patients over 50 years old – the same age group that is the biggest user of these drugs. About 20% of elderly people who break their hip die within one year of their accident, making the increased risk a serious source of concern.

Although researchers have not yet found why this connection exists, most medical experts believe that Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, and other PPIs block the absorption of calcium into the body. However, some also believe that vitamin D may play a role, or that the drugs may cause dizziness in some people leading to a higher likelihood of a fall and injury.

Whatever the reasons, neither the drug manufacturers of Prevacid, Prilosec, and Nexium, nor the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have made any official announcement about the safety of these drugs. Thanks to bureaucracy, a powerful pharmaceutical industry, and a largely powerless FDA, warnings about these potentially-serious side effects generally do not get the official attention they deserve until months, even years after the first signals appear that something is wrong. Rather than risk sales, the companies are happy to “wait and see” what other research turns up, or how many people are killed or injured as a result of their drugs before they decide whether they “need to act.”

If you or a loved one has experienced a hip fracture while taking Prevacid, Prilosec, and Nexium, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates for a free case evaluation. We can help you decide what course of legal action is right for you, and help you get money from those responsible for your injuries to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses, as well as compensation for your pain and suffering. Simply fill out the form on this page with the details of your Prevacid, Prilosec, or Nexium-related injury, or call Jim S. Adler & Associates directly to start your free case evaluation.