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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Pharmacology > Pharmacy > Aciphex
Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith
Date: 5/13/2008
Subject: Aciphex
Question
Hello,
I've been taking Aciphex for 15 years (I'm 30 now). I've recently read that these types of medications cause weak hip bones. I stopped taking the medication last week and I'm trying alternative cures as I usually have acid in my throat if I miss the Aciphex dose for 2 straight days. My question is two fold: 1. Does the weak bones thing heal? As I said, I'm 30, so I'm hoping this is not a permanent thing. Second, do you know of any alternative cures? I'm currently going to a chiropractor and an accupuncturist and surprisingly enough, I'm pretty good even after a week.
Thanks in advance,
John
Answer
Dear John
There are suggestions that drugs like Aciphex slow down or inhibit calcium absorption from the gut but I am not convinced that this is a serious problem for a young person and/or someone on a reasonable diet and does ample exercise. The problem is mainly with calcium carbonate therefore in case this is true calcium supplements of either the gluconate or citrate may help especially if combined with vitamin D (not necessary if you are exposed to a reasonable amount of sunlight. This will also help return your bones to normal if indeed they are affected which I doubt. An simple X-ray can confirm osteoporosis.
It is a long time to be on Aciphex and if you find that you are not getting all that much acid problems the use of simple antacids (ask your pharmacist for a brand that contains both magnesium and/or aluminium - calcium types, This may be all that is necessary but this depends on the pathology of your acid production which you do not state.
Get back to me if you need more advice.
Regards
Dr Alan Galbraith
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