The FDA reports, “There is a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine if you take certain drugs for heartburn, acid reflux, or ulcers.”

The drugs belong to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. They are available both as prescription and as over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The prescription PPIs treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, and inflammation of the esophagus. 

The prescription PPIs are

• Nexium
• Dexilant
• Prilosec
• Zegerid
• Prevacid
• Protonix
• Aciphex
• Vimovo

The over-the-counter PPIs are

• Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)
• Zegerid OTC (omeprazole)
• Prevacid 24HR (lansoprazole)

Advice for Consumers

The FDA does not recommend the use of these drugs for more than 14 days. For resistan