Your Bones May Be At Risk From That Burning Remedy!
Todays Health Article
May 10, 2011
Today, this article is a must read, for those who suffer from heartburn, acid reflex, Gerd, or just simple indigestion. Those suffering, know the common treatments, are either over counter remedies or prescriptions to relieve those burning sensations. Little do we seem to know, or think we know, that what may have been a medical treatment yesterday, may now have its consequences or side affects in the days to come. This actually may be the case with some anti acids now increasing our cnance of bone fractures. As we grow older, healthy bones are very important to maintaining a active and healthy life.
Acid Suppressors 
They are the second leading medication used worldwide, Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of drugs whose main task is in the reduction of gastric acid production. They are the recognized as the most potent inhibitors of acid secretion available today.
This group has largely superseded another group with similar effects, but different mode-of-action, called H2-receptor antagonists.
The vast majority of these drugs are benzimidazole derivatives; however, promising new research indicates that imidazopyridine derivatives may be a more effective means of treatment.
Health Concerns
In 2011. a conclusion that PPIs which are known to be used to reduce stomach acid production, can be associated with 29 percent increased risk of fracture, and 31 percent higher risk of hip fractures. Now by reinforcing the U.S. health officials’ concerns, a new Korean research suggests that long-term use of popular heartburn drugs such as Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium is linked to an increased risk of fractures. These scientists conducted a meta-analysis of 11 studies published since 1997 regarding the risk of vertebral fractures.
The other class of heartburn drugs known as H2-receptor antagonists or H2 blockers — which include brand names such as Zantac and Pepcid — were not significantly linked to fracture risk, according to the study authors. H2 blockers, however, come with less strength than the PPIs, in regards to suppressing acid production. The H2s blocking, only about 70 percent rather than the estimated 98 percent that can be blocked by PPIs.
“It is difficult to say uniformly what the absolute risk is because fracture risk shows many differences according to age, sex, race and ethnicity,” said the Korean study lead author. Dr. Chun-Sick Eom, is a clinical instructor, in the Department of Family Medicine at Hallym University Hospital in Chuncheon, Korea. “The study is published in the May/June issue of the journal Annals of Family Medicine.
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors has been less studied. But, in a study of 135,000 people 50 or older, those high doses of PPIs for longer than one year have been found to be 2.6 times more likely to break a hip. Those taking smaller doses for 1 to 4 years were 1.2 to 1.6 times more likely to break a hip. The risk of a fracture increased with the length of time taking PPIs. Theories as to the cause of the increase are the possibility that the reduction of stomach acid reduces the amount of calcium dissolved in the stomach ortaking that PPIs may interfere with the breakdown and rebuilding of bone by interfering with the acid production of osteoclasts. Also, the reduction of vitamin B12 (by raising homocysteine) may increase bone fragility, an effect that may be offset by the consumption, or by the co-packaging, of about 100 mcg of B12 with the PPI.
In May 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
They decided that PPIs would carry a warning on their labels about their possible fracture risk. The drugs… which include esomeprazole (Nexium), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix) and rabeprazole (Aciphex) — are used to treat stomach and small intestine ulcers, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and inflammation of the esophagus.
High dose or long-term use of PPIs carry a possible increased risk of bone fractures “Possible Increased Risk of Bone Fractures With Certain Antacid Drugs”. U S Food and Drug Administration. 25 May 2010.
Key to the Outcome…
PPIs and H2 blockers are thought to have different effects on bone metabolism. Taking the above studies into consideration, the key may be to consider the risks and the benefits. Perhaps for physicians to reduce PPI use whenever appropriate. The use for patients such as those with acute gastric ulcers or other potentially life-threatening conditions may need supplement their calcium and vitamins to minimize their risk
Dr. David Bernstein, chief of the division of gastroenterology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., said that “We need to look at it case by case, if someone has uncontrollable reflux and needs PPI therapy long-term, they’re probably going to get it. They feel better, and it’s easy. “But, “at some point, the doctor and patient need to think of a different strategy — either stop the medication or switch medications,” he added. “We should give the minimal amount for the patient to get well, and then stop.”
Todays Health Comments
Today with all the medications available at our finger tips , one is most likely giving little thought to the after affects of these drugs. For most, our concern is for the relief of that nasty heartburn. You may be on a prescription and rightfully so, as there are many symptoms of that burning sensation, that relief is only thing that is desired at any given moment. I suffered dramatically and empathise with all who suffer from any form of acid reflex. However, we need to look at maintaining our whole health situation, our bones play just one aspect of it, but as we get older, a hip fracture can change your whole health aspect. Having seen my elder relatives experience falls that resulted in fractures or broken bones, therapy, and much more. Why should we enhance the chances, that we may face these same circumstances. Preventive care is our choice and awareness is also our responsibility, we must continue to strive for better answers.
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