Acid reflux drugs increase risk of fractures. Such is the title of an article published just a few days ago. Considered as “breakthrough” news, I have been warning of the very same problem in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program for years.
This is just further evidence of how the Save Our Bones community is ahead of the curve.
As usual, the writing was on the wall, but mainstream medicine looked the other way. The good news is that the truth can't be hidden any longer. Read the article below and my take that follows:
FDA: Acid Reflux Drugs Increase Risk of Fractures
Published March 24, 2011
U.S. health regulators said that patients taking prescription ulcer drugs at high doses or for longer periods may have increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it was revising the prescription and over-the-counter labels for the drugs to include new safety information about the possible increased risk of fractures.
The FDA said it reviewed seven published studies, six of which showed an increased risk of fractures with the use of the drugs.
The drugs, called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are widely used to treat ulcers, acid reflux and other conditions.
The FDA said that fracture risk was highest for patients on high doses of prescription PPIs or on PPI for one year or more.
Prescription PPIs include names such as AstraZeneca's Nexium, Prilosec and Vimovo, Takeda Pharmaceutical's Dexilant and Prevacid, Pfizer's Protonix,Johnson & Johnson and Eisai's Aciphex, and Santarus' Zegerid.
Prilosec, Zegerid and Prevacid are also available in over-the-counter versions.
Most of the studies tested individuals aged 50 years or older, and the increased risk of fracture was seen mainly in this age group.
The FDA is also working with the manufacturers of these drugs to further study this possible risk, it said.
Short-term, low dose use of the drugs is unlikely to pose a fracture risk, the regulator said on its website.
The over-the-counter versions of the drugs are marketed at low doses and only intended for a 14-day course up to 3 times per year.
However, since consumers may take the OTC products for a longer time than the directions on the label, the FDA plans to revise those labels as a precautionary measure.
Read more: https://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/03/24/fda-acid-reflux-drugs-increase-risk-fractures/#ixzz1I95U1efW
Source: Reuters
Because you are a Save Our Bones community member, this is “old” news for you. As I wrote earlier, it’s been years that I have been warning of the very same problems in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program.
In it I point out that drugs commonly used for acid reflux, known as Proton Pump Inhibitors such as Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid to name a few, prevent the absorption of critical bone-healthy nutrients.
It is obvious that a lack of vitamins and minerals necessary for the maintenance of strong bones will lead to an increased risk of fractures. In fact, for many micronutrients to enter the bloodstream, good amounts of stomach acid are necessary.
These wildly popular drugs reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach. It is therefore not surprising that long-term therapy eventually ends up causing severe nutrient deficiencies that can wreak havoc on your health.
Which nutrients require stomach acid for proper absorption? The main ones are calcium, magnesium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and CoQ10. They are all important both for your bone health and your general health.
And as I wrote in an article titled “Yet Another Good Reason to Avoid Osteoporosis Drugs”, if you’ve taken bisphosphonates in the past, chances are you are already CoQ10 deficient. In case you didn’t read it, I strongly recommend you check out that blog post on CoQ10, where I explain its important role and how bisphosphonate drugs prevent its synthesis.
There is a big lesson to be learned here: sooner or later, the band-aid approach employed by the medical establishment will self-destroy. Instead, it will be replaced with natural solutions that correct the true cause of health problems.
I had to stop taking omeprazole. I had fractured my foot. Had bone dentisity test done showed I had osteoporsios. I had to get off the acid reflux meds. I am drinking Aloe Vera juice bought from Walmart and it has done wonders for the acid reflux. I have it once in a while. Mainly due to what I eat.
I was diagnosed with osteopenia at 42, much to my shock. I’m a healthy, fit girl who has done dance and weight bearing exercise all her life. I also have acid reflux and have taken meds for it on and off for 10 years. Bingo.
For anyone who’s really suffering, I suggest you read “Fast Tract Digestion” by Norman Robillard, PhD. This book changed my life. With the help of a functional medicine DC and lots of testing, we determined I have low stomach acid from years of eating refined carbs, gluten and sugar. I am now on an autoimmune Paleo diet (yes, we DO need protein and animal products are just fine if consumed in palm-sized portions with plenty of veggies), and my acid reflux is GONE. We are also sorting out hormonal issues that brought me to this point, and I am confident I will REVERSE my osteoporosis.
Everyone is different, but it seems to me from what I observed in myself and my voice students that refined carbs and grains such as rice, pasta and bread simply sit in the gut and ferment, creating the gas that causes acid to come back up.
I’m shocked by the number of people who casually mention that they are just living with acid reflux and taking Prilosec or Prevacid on a regular basis. Humans are not meant to eat and live like this, and I think it is a part of the reason why our bones are crumbling.
have been on PPI’s for over 20 years – started on Aciphex 20 mg daily, the the others – Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, etc., and kept getting stronger doses and then stomachaches, and for the past three years have been on Dexilant 60 mg daily-it’s the only one that helps me, but I’m almost 72 and my bones have really started to be painful-shoulders, arms, knees the most – I have Barretts Esophagus besides-only 2 mm large, but it’s there-doctor would never recommend me for surgery-just keeps pushing the pills-am desperate to get off these PPI’s but am scared as I’m prone to panic attacks – take Ibuprofen sometimes but can’t take too many of those but they do help my bones-bad for your liver, I believe-am going to try lemon juice with water(ugh-I hate lemons)but am willing to try it – anyone who can help me, please let me know-thanks!
Hang in there, Kathy! Here is a link with some information that I believe you will find very helpful:
https://saveourbones.com/3-bone-building-foods-that-work-better-than-harmful-drugs-for-acid-reflux-arthritis-and-migraines/
I’ve just recently fell and haven’t been to have my arm, wrist & hand looked at because I’ve been afraid they will tell me I need surgery or that it’s broken. I can move all parts. One reason I take it is because to save my life mainly from a bleeding ulcer & saving a life, in my opinion out weighs the bad side effects. I also suffer in pain what am I supposed to do take Tylenol? Which I may add is also bad if taken long. If you take a long look, everything has side effects even supplements so no matter what your always gonna suffer side effects no matter what. If you don’t take anything to avoid side effects then you just plain suffer in pain.
Regards, Margo
Glad I came across this , just wish it was 25 years ago ! Been taking these types of medicines since I was diagnosed with Gastritis,Hiatal hernia, dysphasia in the Army.
Now I am 46 and falling apart at the seams. Severe degenerative disc (first showed up at 35) , plantar fasciitis, 4 compression fractures, bulging discs, hips and shoulders damaged and just about every joint I have shows problems. Have been through so many tests the last couple months I should glow in the dark ! Get the word out
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I was taking 40 mg of Omeprazole in Am & again in PM. Just had joint surgery on my foot & was told my bones are so soft. I am sure it is coming from the Omeprazole. I am73 I am going to cut down for sure any advice
I am 68 yrs old and have had two coppression fractures without a fall within two yrs. My rumatoligest told to not to take even one more nexium. I have been on this medicine more than ten years. Are there any antacids that do not have this side?
My “osteoporosis expert” has prescribed Prednisone to me for osteoporosis for years and demanded I “not cut down on the dose.” Now I have severe osteoporosis with extreme risk of femur and other fractures.
To make matters worse, I have just learned that Prilosec, which my pulmonologist has been prescribing to me for years because I have serious interstitial tissue disease in my lungs caused by reflux of acid from my stomach to my lungs. I need medication to protect my lungs.
Please advise me what medications can best protect me from the dangers presented simultaneously by my osteoporosis and my interstitial lung disease. I will be very grateful.
Thank you,
Mary Anne Frey
I have pre-cancer barretts esophagus. Will strawberries help? Have to be on a PPI and have appt. for the halo. Thanks for any information you can give me.
I have a 3 month old daughter who dr. said has acid reflux. She was very fussy and would cough/choke when laying on her back. She spit up at times. They started her on prevacid after zantac had no effect. She has also had a very bad gas issue. She seems less crabby after starting prevacid https://onlinepharmacyreviews.org/ingredients/lansoprazole , but still gassy and occ. spit up. What would you recommend for a child her age. She also had kidney reflux and is taking sulfameth-trimeth susp once daily.
I really want to stop my acid reflux by using natural remedies rather than prescription drugs is there anything that has been proven to be successful, as ever0ne is different and what might help some will not help others, is DIGESTIZOL MAX the only altenative
My sister and I have what she calls her magic potion as a remedy for acid reflux. I have to admit when she first mentioned this to me I didn’t see how it could possibly help. In an 8 ounce glass of water, mix 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (we like Lakewood Organic lemon juice) 1 tsp. Bragg’s Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, dash of cinnamon, a tsp pure maple syrup or Stevia packet for sweetness. Depending on your taste. Since we both have been doing this daily in the morning, we very rarely have acid reflux. Hope this helps.
Why the cinnamon?
Why the cinnamon?
I have moderate GERD and treated it for many years with some success using Zantac 150 twice daily, with occasional imbalances causing unpleasant symptoms like sulfur-smelling burps. My wife read a paragraph several years ago in Oprah Magazine that recommended drinking water with lemon in it instead of using antacid. It works for me; I quit Zantac cold turkey and never went back. Had the same result with Braggs vinegar in water, but lemon tastes better. I don’t need to add syrup or cinnamon which must be for flavor. Worth a try; now I buy lots of lemons rather than antacids. If I get an occasional flare up its due to a poor dietary choice, like eating a rich dessert. In that case I can handle it with 2 alka-seltzer in lemon water.
Hi, I have been taking 20g sometimes 40g of omeprazole for 8 years an I have just found out my bones could be at risk, I also have slight breathing problems, my lungs have always been good as I have never smoked an d I’m a vocalist, and I feel a bit sick when I have a drink of water, I don’t know if this is relevant but today I am seeing my doctor to try and come off them and this also has to be gradual.
Good luck, Shaynie! Your doctor should be able to help you devise a strategy for stopping the omeprazole. 🙂
Want to treat gastric reflux without taking anything that is going to cause bone loss.
Hi,
I am new to this post. I am reading and reading with many of the same problems…getting off GERD meds because yes has cause my osteoporosis and the Dr stil says take it and get the Prolia shot. I don’t want to do that at all. I am 54…my thyroid is gone too for 10 years which doesn’t help. I feel I have malabsorption probs..but no one wants to test…just push the pills. I want better solutions. I am exercising taking calcium and D. I know there are new ways to combat and build bone—just have to be.
I have so much gas even after drinking water it is horrible. Any ideas..I prob need to buy the book.
I just broke my leg , my thyroid was irradiated 15 years ago and I am taking protonic‘s for acid reflux . I normally lift weights and work on a bicycle 30 minutes a day . I just had a bone density test and it came back that I am just below normal and all of a sudden I remembered the doctor said this medicine was not good for bones , so I’m freaking out I’ve been taking it probably year and a half , but I’m going to try to stop taking it and use the Lemon water situation . after being in a cast for two weeks already I can’t imagine going another three weeks still laying here in bed now I’m worried what if I break more bones ?