Can your heartburn medication cause broken bones?

Nexium, Prevacid, or Prilosec

If you are over the age of 50 and have been taking prescription antacids for more than a year, you face an increased risk of hip fracture – far higher than for any other group of people.

University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people taking powerful anti-heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors increase the risk of hip fractures because the drugs inhibit calcium absorption. Long-term use of drugs such as Nexium and Prevacid – some of the most widely used and heavily promoted prescription drugs in the U.S. – can increase hip fracture rates by nearly 50 percent, according to study author Dr. Yu-Xiao Yang.

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury after taking Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec or Protonix, contact the experienced attorneys at Brown & Crouppen by calling 1-866-991-4700.

Hip fractures are serious injuries; among the elderly, hip fractures have a death rate of 20 percent during the first year after the fracture. For those who survive this period, one in five requires nursing home care, an emergency department visit, hospitalization, surgery and rehabilitation, all with huge health-care costs.

Dr. Yang found that taking a proton pump inhibitor for more than one year increased the risk of hip fracture by 44 percent and risks were 2.6 times higher among people who took high doses over a long period. So there are two ways these drugs raise the risk for hip fracture – the length of time a person takes them and the dosage.

If you have been injured after taking a proton pump inhibitor, you need a skilled law firm familiar in pharmaceutical liability. Brown & Crouppen has represented many victims of defective drugs, and as our client, you will be backed by a team of legal professionals, medical experts and investigators who are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected.

Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights. Call us Toll Free at: 1-866-991-4700 for your free legal consultation or save time with our online Contact Form.