Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Prilosec® and Prevacid®, are medications that reduce acid production in the stomach. These medicines are associated with an increased risk for hip fractures if they are used continuously for 5 years, according to a study published in the August 12, 2008 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Researchers from the University of Manitoba in Canada identified 15,792 patients with a history of hip, wrist, or spine fractures and compared them to 47,289 people who had no history of fracture. They looked at the risk of fractures, particularly those related to osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones become fragile and are more likely to break. They found that the overall risk for osteopororis-related fractures was significantly increased in those patients who had used PPIs for more than 7 years. They also found that the risk of all hips fractures, whether due to osteoporosis or not, was increased after 5 or more years of PPI use.

The results of this study suggest that PPIs should be used only when they are necessary and effective. The researchers indicate that further study is needed to determine if osteoporosis medications that prevent bone loss would protect patients with long-term PPI use from this increased fracture risk.