Heartburn is one of the most common GI problems in America. It is a condition where stomach acid is regurgitated up into the esophagus giving rise to symptoms such as chest discomfort, wheezing, asthma, hiccups, and hoarseness. Acid reflux can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus and should be taken seriously.
Heartburn medications are widely available, both by prescription and over-the-counter. They work by blocking stomach acid from being produced. As a result, they disrupt the body’s ability to absorb calcium, along with other important minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. High doses of these medications or duration of use longer than 1 year have been associated with an increased risk of fractures to the hip, wrist and spine. This concern has led to a recent FDA announcement that popular heartburn medications such as Prevacid, Prilosec, and Nexium will now come with a warning linking them to an increased risk for fractures. The FDA has also advised that the over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, Prilosec, and Zegerid) should only be taken for a maximum of 14 days. Continue reading “New Warning About Heartburn Medications”
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