People who use PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) for 7 years or more for treating acid reflux, peptic ulcers and other gastric conditions increase their risk of suffering osteoporosis-related fractures.

PPIs are a class of drugs GPs commonly prescribe to help people control and prevent symptoms and complications of conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux (acid reflux), dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease and Barrett’s oesophagus. Medications that include ‘omeprazole’ and ‘lansoprazole’ have been widely used around the world for many years.

The study, carried out on nearly 16,000 patients, looked at people 50 and older with hip, spinal, or wrist fractures against a control group with no history such problems. Results showed an increased risk of a hip fracture after 5 years of continuous exposure and an increased risk of any fracture after 7 years. Short-term exposure did not appear to increase risk of fractures.

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