Acid suppressors linked to fractures

Q. I have been taking either Prilosec or Nexium for more than seven years for reflux. No one seems concerned about it but me. I would like to get off “the purple pill,” but I can only go for a few days without the drug before the acid becomes overwhelming.

My doctor thinks these drugs are harmless, but I have read about problems with long-term use. I don’t need a broken bone at this stage of my life. Are there any natural approaches I could use while I try to get off Nexium?

A. Acid-suppressing drugs such as Aciphex, Prevacid, Prilosec (omeprazole), Protonix and Nexium may produce unexpected complications. Articles in the Archives of Internal Medicine (May 10, 2010) have linked such drugs to an increased risk of fractures and infections (pneumonia and Clostridium difficile).

Some experts believe that powerful acid suppressors are overprescribed, especially for routine reflux. Weaning off such drugs can be challenging. It can take months to overcome rebound acid production.

We are sending you our Guide to Digestive Disorders with tips for getting off these drugs and alternative solutions for heartburn. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (61 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. G-3, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Probiotics, ginger capsules and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) tablets may help ease symptoms of heartburn while phasing out your drug.

Q. I published the original article on cranberry-juice cocktail and urinary-tract infections (Journal of Urology, May 1984). We also demonstrated in several nursing-home studies that cranberry-juice cocktail, not the plain juice, works best. Please spare your readers the tartness of the straight juice. – Anthony E. Sobota, Ph.D.

A. Thank you for investigating this old wives’ tale in such a scientific manner. Investigators have confirmed your original findings and explored why it works (Urology online, April 16, 2010).

One reader shared this cranberry story: “Since drinking about 4 ounces of cranberry juice every day, I haven’t had a urinary-tract infection. When I was overseas and the juice was unavailable, I used cranberry- extract pills when an infection showed up. It was over in two or three days. That’s a much better solution than an antibiotic, which should be saved for when it’s really needed!”

Q. I have read in your column that people put keys down the back of the neck to stop a nosebleed. This is extremely unclear. What does “drop them down the back of the neck” mean? I interpret this as dangling them DOWN someone’s throat. Could that be possible? It seems quite a choking risk to me!

A. DO NOT put keys down your throat! They should go down the back of the neck under the shirt collar. Take a look at the photo on our website for clarification.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.