Patients taking proton Pump inhibitors (PPIs) as long term treatment for ulcers or gastro esophageal reflux disorder (GERD), may be at greater risk for hip fracture according to a new study published in the December 27 issue of JAMA.

Some studies have indicated that PPI therapy may decrease insoluble calcium absorption or bone density in certain patients. This could increase the risk for hip fracture. Hip fracture has a death rate during the first year after the fracture of 20 percent and in survivors often leads to hospitalization, surgery, or admission to long-term care facilities.

Researchers caution doctors prescribing PPI therapy to consider the possible risk and use the lowest effective dose of these medications to prevent increased risk of hip fracture.

PPI medications include:

*Omeprazole (Losec)

*Esomeprazole (Nexium)

*Lansoprazole (Zoton)

*Pantoprazole (Protium)

*Rabeprazole sodium (Pariet)

Medical News Today