Acid reflux medications could lead to falls

Proton pump inhibitors – PPIs with the trade name Losec – are commonly prescribed medications in Australia for treating acid reflux/heartburn. They work by suppressing acid production in the stomach and many people are on them for years to control their symptoms.

But a potential side effect of extreme acid suppression is a reduction in calcium absorption from food, and studies reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association have found that long term use of these types of drugs is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in both men and women.

The most recent UK research showed that the fracture risk rose after a year of PPI use and increased with dose and time, so that after long term high dose therapy, the rates more than tripled.

The article suggests that while low calcium absorption may not be the reason, those on these medications long term should talk to their GP about the wisdom of boosting calcium intake and absorption.