FDA: Heartburn Drugs Pose No Heart Risk
Two of the most popular prescription heartburn medications on the market do not carry a risk of causing heart problems, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. After completion of a comprehensive review of known safety data for Prilosec and Nexium -- including studies provided by manufacturer AstraZeneca PLC -- the FDA concludes that long-term use of these drugs is not likely to be associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, and heart-related sudden death. Prilosec and Nexium are prescribed for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions caused by excess stomach acid.