The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it has requested that all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) labels for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) should include new safety information about a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with the use of these medications.

The new safety information is based on the US FDAs review of epidemiological studies, of which some found that those at greatest risk for these fractures received high doses of proton pump inhibitors or used them for one year or more.

They advise that “Healthcare professionals should be aware of the possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with the use of proton pump inhibitors, and when prescribing, should consider whether a lower dose or shorter duration of therapy would adequately treat the patient's condition.”