Safety Alert: Esomeprazole
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase risk of fractures
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal supports the findings from a previous study linking the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex) with hip fracture in patients older than 50 years of age. The study also found that patients older than 50 years of age who used PPIs for 7 or more years had a higher risk of any osteoporosis-related fracture than patients using it for shorter periods.
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What does this mean?
Regardless of the reason you are taking esomeprazole (Nexium), this safety alert is to inform you about the increased risk of hip fracture and any osteoporosis-related fracture when PPIs are used daily for several years. If you are older than 50 years of age and have been using esomeprazole (Nexium) or any other PPI on a daily basis for more than 1 year, talk to your doctor at your next visit to discuss the risks versus the benefits of continuing it. If you need to continue taking this (or any) PPI for your chronic condition, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk of osteoporosis such as getting the right amount of calcium and vitamin D, exercising, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
