NEWS - FDA says acid reflux drugs carry fracture risk

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FDA says acid reflux drugs carry fracture risk

NEW YORK

Tue May 25, 2010 5:17pm EDT

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. health regulators have cautioned doctors and

patients of an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and

spine from high doses or long-term use of a widely used class of drugs

to control the amount of acid in the stomach.

The class of heartburn drugs, called proton pump inhibitors, include

prescription brands such as AstraZeneca Plc's top-selling Nexium and

the company's Prilosec, an older generic treatment that is also

available over the counter at a lower dosage strength.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday that studies

suggest a possible increased risk of bone fractures with the use of

proton pump inhibitors for one year or longer, or at high doses.

Package insert labels for the drugs will be changed to describe the

possible increased fracture risks, the FDA said.

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Read the full article here:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64O6J520100525

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