Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

FDA Says Prilosec and Nexium Safe from Heart Risks

There is some news, related to reflux and not, that may be helpful. First, several months ago I told you about a study being conducted by the FDA to determine whether Prilosec and Nexium increased heart health risks. December 10, 2007, the FDA announced that after reviewing the drugs, they found NO evidence of increased heart risks from these drugs.

Dr. Paul Seligman, associate director of the FDA's Office of Safety Policy and Communication at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, told reporters that the agency's current assessment is 'that studies do not show a risk for heart attack or heart-related problems'. However, Seligman continued that the FDA is still investigating whether the drugs increase the risk of hip fractures based on the American Medical Association report that people 50 and over who took the drugs regularly had a 44% increased risk of hip fractures. Astra Zeneca, maker of the drugs released a statement supporting the FDA conclusion.

Clinical Trials

There are always continuing studies sponsored by physicians, universities, government agencies, and corporations looking to enroll patients. These studies are designed to test effectiveness of new drugs, medical devices and procedures. Patients often benefit from enrolling in these studies, thus gaining access to experimental drugs and therapies, plus they make a contribution to scientific research. You can always check with your doctor or health care professional. Also, go to www.clinicaltrials.org, a service of the National Institutes of Health. You can click on an alphabetical listing of drugs or diseases and get a listing of trials, both completed and ongoing. Much information is provided including the study sponsor, who provides the information, whether the study is closed or recruiting participants, and information on the study purpose.

FDA Says NO to OTC Cholesterol Lowering Drug

Also from the FDA comes the news that they have rejected a bid by the makers of Mevacor, a cholesterol lowering drug, to be available without a prescription. The concern is that patients could not determine on their own if they are good candidates for the drug, that some might take it unnecessarily, and that patients who are seriously ill might attempt to self-medicate instead of consulting a physician.

Coffee -- A Good Antioxident Source

Your daily Starbucks fix may actually be good for you. A study presented to The American Chemical Society says that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the US diet. Joe Vinson, Ph.D., a chemistry professor at the University of Scranton, PA, says that 'Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than any other dietary source. Nothing else comes close.' But, Vinson warns, don't drink coffee in excess ' one or two cups a day appear to be beneficial. The second through fifth most consumed antioxidant sources in the US diet are, in order, tea, bananas, dry beans, and corn. Vinson cautions not to forget fruits and vegetables which are better for you from an overall nutritional point because of their high vitamin, mineral, and fiber contents.

Click here for a Great Tasting Low Acid Coffee

A Good Night's Sleep is Your Heart's Healthiest Nighttime Activity

And from Joel E. Dimsdale, MD, professor of phychiatry a the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, comes the result of a study claiming that a good night's sleep is the heart healthiest nighttime activity. Dr. Dimsdale and his colleagues say they have established a link between higher levels of sleep disruption and an increased risk for blood clotting which is associated with a risk for heart disease. Their study, based on 135 unmedicated men and women with no history of sleep disorders and a mean age of 37, found that patients with patterns of broken sleep had statistically significant higher blood markers for clotting. The link between sleep disruption and clotting was similar whether or not the patient had apnea. So, try to turn off the stress and sleep well. It really is good for your health!

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