A recent study has found an unusual side effect of a group of medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). The drugs, which control gastric acid and secretion have been linked to early onset osteoporosis.Individuals who are most at risk for the development of osteoporosis and bone fracture are those who have taken PPIs for longer than five years, according to an August 2008 article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.The study echoed results of a similar study published in a December 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, which found that long-term, high-dose consumption of PPIs contributed to hip fractures among patients.Nearly 44 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, which is nearly 55 percent of the 50 plus age group, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation as quoted in a September 2008 American Medical News article.What are PPIs Used For?Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) were introduced to help patients suffering from an array of conditions find relief with a reduction of gastric acid production. PPIs can be used for treatment of the following:* Zollinger-Ellison syndrome* Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)* Stress gastritis* Barrett’s esophagus* Peptic ulcer disease (PUD)* Dyspepsia* Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease* GastrinomasConditions causing hypersecretion of acidThe PPIs account for a nearly $13 billion dollar a year industry, considered one of the most popular drugs available coming in only second to cholesterol drugs, according to an article from The Wall Street Journal.Proton Pump Inhibitor Side EffectsWhile two medical studies have reported significant dangers associated with consuming PPIs, their have been no proton pump inhibitor recalls and Sameer Dev Saini, MD, the lead author of the Journal of American Medical Associations believes that the evidence is not concrete enough for patients to receive different prescription habits, according to the American Medical News article.However, physicians are recommending stronger warnings as well as an increased consumption of calcium and vitamin D intake. Some of the most reoccurring PPI symptoms are:* Mild dizziness* Headache* Nausea* Diarrhea* Constipation* RashPatients who are currently taking PPIs and are suffering from the following side effects may want to consider consulting a physician to ensure the PPI is not causing unseen damages:* brittle bones* bone fractures* breaking bones* osteoporosisOvercoming PPI RisksPPIs are most commonly known for treating or reducing heartburn, however, there are several other treatments that can be considered to reduce heartburn as well as consumption of PPIs, which have severe risks associated with them. Some additional treatment options include:* Change in diet, including cutting back on high-fat meals, alcohol, caffeine and soda* Consuming antacids, such as Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, to neutralize acid production* Consumption of H-2 Blockers (Pepcid, Zantac and Tagament), which block acid production* Pro-motility drugs, such as Propulsid, that hasten gastric emptying* Antireflux surgerySeveral of the more common PPIs brand names include:* Aciphex (rabeprazole)* Prilosec (omepraazole)* Nexium (esomeprazole)* Prevacid (lansoprazole)* Protonix (pantoprazole)Individuals suffering from any of the above conditions who have been taking PPIs for several years should consult a medical professional immediately, as the patient may be at extreme risks for developing early onset osteoporosis.Consulting with a legal professional may offer the deserved security necessary as well as monetary compensation for the PPI side effects.—For more information on the PPI risk, visit proton-pump-inhibitors-ppi.legalview.com or www.LegalView.com/. On the LegalView site, individuals can read about how to develop a Chantix class action lawsuit or how to obtain an Avandia attorney.

More: continued here

Bookmark to: