Information and Warnings About PPI Drugs for Arthritis Patients

More information has surfaced about adverse effects associated with PPI drugs (proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex). A study published in the January 31, 2012 issue of the British Medical Journal concluded that chronic use of PPIs is associated with increased risk of hip fracture, especially among women who smoked. The report backs the U.S. FDA's decision to revise labeling of PPI drugs to include information about increased risk of fracture among patients treated with high doses or treated with a PPI for one year or more.

On February 8, 2012, the FDA warned the public that the use of PPIs may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Patients are being advised to "use the lowest dose and shortest duration of PPI therapy appropriate to the condition being treated."

What exactly are PPIs? Why are some arthritis patients who take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) also prescribed PPIs? Learn more in What Are PPI Drugs (Proton Pump Inhibitor)?

Related Articles:

• The Facts of NSAIDs
• NSAIDs Plus PPIs May Cause Serious Problems for Arthritis Patients
• Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk of Hip Fracture
• PPIs Can Lower Magnesium Levels

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