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Prilosec, Nexium Get Clean Bill of Health from FDA

Med Headlines - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement this week confirming the safety of two widely used drugs, Prilosec and Nexium, when used as prescribed.  Concerns over a seemingly increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, heart failure, and sudden death, in patients receiving these medications over a long period of time in lieu of surgery prompted the FDA to conduct an in-depth review of the safety of these two drugs.

Nexium (esomeprazole) is a newer formulation of Prilosec (omeprazole). Both drugs are used to treat patients suffering from severe cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and similar conditions that lead to secretion of excess amounts of stomach acid.

By decreasing the amount of stomach acid secreted, Prilosec and Nexium relieve discomfort and promote healing of erosive esophagitis, a condition characterized by erosions to the lining of the esophagus.

Either medication can be used in conjunction with an antibiotic to treat gastric ulcers and a non-prescription formulation of Prilosec is available to treat symptoms of frequent heartburn.

The FDA’s findings indicate no increased risk of cardiovascular disease when Prilosec and Nexium are taken as directed by a physician and as described on the package labeling for these medications.

The pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca manufactures both drugs.

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