Prilosec(Omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor used in the treatment of dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It was first marketed by AstraZeneca as the magnesium salt omeprazole magnesium under the trade names Losec and Prilosec, and is now also available from generic manufacturers under various trade names.
Facing the loss of patent protection for Prilosec and competition from generic manufacturers, AstraZeneca developed, launched, and heavily marketed, Nexium, a single enantiomer form of omeprazole. Because of the prevalence of heartburn in the United States, Proton pump inhibitors are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs. It is estimated that there are millions of people throughout the country currently taking Nexium, Prevacid or Prilosec. Nexium is in fact the second best selling drug in the world, with revenues exceeding $4.6 Billion in 2005. For people suffering from chronic heartburn, proton pump inhibitors like Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid, represent one of the only means through which to experience relief from the bothersome heartburn effects.
On December 26, 2006, a report was released that showed the correlation between powerful antacid drugs and the increased risk of hip fractures. The report was based on a University of Pennsylvania study that showed the class of antacid drugs called proton pump inhibitors could increase the risk of hip fractures as much as 260 percent.
A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom has also discovered a link between use of certain proton pump inhibitors and an increased potential of hip fracture in people over 50. The study determined that acid reduction can aid in heartburn relief while also having a negative effect on the body\'s ability to absorb calcium. Without an adequate intake of calcium, the bones weaken and become more susceptible to fracture or break. Patients in this study taking a proton pump inhibitor for more than a year were were found to be two-and-a-half times more likely to suffer hip fracture than nonusers.
Astra Zeneca is the pharmaceutical company responsible for the development and marketing of both Prilosec and Nexium. Representatives from some of the most popular proton pump inhibitor manufacturers argue that the link between their heartburn drugs and hip fracture is nothing more than a "potential association." It is argued that doctors are responsible for monitoring the health and wellbeing of their patients to prevent issues related to insufficient bone density levels and that Proton pump inhibitors have proven to be an effective treatment for chronic heartburn sufferers.
Although the drugs do not appear in danger of being recalled from the market, it is the responsibility of the pharmaceutical company to warn consumers if their products carry potential dangers. If you or a loved one have been injured after taking proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec or Nexium, fill out the contact form at right to find out more about your rights.
