Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec increase hip fracture risk: study

A December 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that taking antacids like Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec increases the risk of hip fracture. The large British study reviewed the records of 145,000 people over 50 (average age: 77) and found that there was a significant increase in the number of hip fractures for those who took the prescription antacids. The size of dosage and length of treatment time seemed to have a direct impact on the results.

This new finding will have long-reaching effects. Hip fractures in the elderly are not uncommon, and are potentially life-threatening – about 20% of those who break their hip die within one year of the accident. Identifying Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec as contributing risk factor turns these drugs from "safe" to a potential killer.

“The general perception is they [Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and other prescription antacids] are relatively harmless,” said Dr. Yu-Xiao Yang, co-author of the study. “They often are used without a clear or justified indication for the treatment.”

That should change now that Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec have been identified as potentially risky drugs. But due to many factors including lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clout and the reluctance of most pharmaceutical companies to advertise the short-comings of their drugs, it is likely that any warnings will take a long time to reach the general public.

Part of the problem is that it is unclear why these drugs increase hip fracture risk. It has been suggested that Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium. However, others have suggested that possible side effects such as dizziness may contribute to the number of falls, and therefore the number of hip fractures. Traditionally, neither the FDA nor the drug industry sends out public warnings until the link has been confirmed through several studies, and the cause or causes pinpointed.

However, this does not reduce the drug companies' liability. All manufacturers have a responsibility to produce safe drugs, and to let patients and doctors know about all possible side effects. By delaying their warnings to "find the real cause" – which not coincidentally means continued profits – these companies could be found as negligently putting consumers' lives at risk.

If you or a loved one has experienced a hip fracture while taking Nexium, Prevacid, or Prilosec, contact a Jim S. Adler & Associates personal injury attorney today for a free consultation. We may be able to secure a fair and just settlement to cover your medical bills and lost wages, as well as compensate you for your pain and suffering. Call Jim S. Adler & Associates right now, or fill out the form on this page with the details of your Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec-related hip fracture to start your free case review.

In addition, Jim S. Adler & Associates has offices located at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887;  San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237; and Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas).

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