Proton pump inhibitors sound like something right out of Star Wars, but they are actually common, far too common, considering their potential risks – here in the real world. This class of drugs, which includes Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid, among others, is prescribed to treat digestive tract issues such as gastro-esophageal reflux, chronic dyspepsia (indigestion) and peptic ulcer disease. These conditions are all characterized by excessive production of stomach acid. The intended mechanism of action of proton pump inhibitors, as you might expect, is to reduce acid by blocking the gastric proton pump; a decidedly unintended mechanism of action is increased fracture risk.
Following a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of studies, the administration posted a “class labeling change” notice on its Web site alerting health care professionals and consumers that proton pump inhibitors will now feature a label warning regarding “ a possible increased risk of fractures at the hip, wrist and spine” attributable to their use. According to the FDA, people ages 50 and older who had been taking the medication for one year or more, often in high doses, were at the greatest risk. .
If your doctor tells you proton pump inhibitors are in your immediate future, ask about the potential side effects..
There are other ways to help with digestive issues such as enzymes, probiotics , hydrochloric acid and other supplements. What you take will vary depending on what your problem is. If you have any of these problems, please give us a call at 378-5660 for a consultation on possible solutions for you that do not include side effects such as fractures. You can also go to our website at sanjuanholistichealthcare.com for information on other health issues..
By the way, you may think this sounds familiar. If so it is because it was an article I wrote a couple of years ago. I continue to see more and more people on antacids and have a hard time when they try to get off of these drugs. After 2.3 or even 6 years of taking proton pump inhibitors, when they do try to stop the symptoms immediately come back. What this tells you is they do not heal the body, they just mask the symptom, and increase chance of fracture. Everyone gets to choose what they do to improve their health. Make an informed and intelligent choice..
Yours in Health,.
Mark W. Earnhart, D.C..
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