The Department of Health has warned people about the possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with high doses or long-term use of a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors.

Proton pump inhibitors are used in the treatment of conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach and small intestine ulcers and inflammation of the esophagus.

The US Food & Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers and healthcare professionals on May 25 about a possible increased risk of bone fractures with high doses or long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. Changes in the product labels is required to describe this possible increased risk.

In Hong Kong, a total of 129 products containing proton pump inhibitors, including omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and esoprazole, are registered with the Pharmacy &Poisons Board. 

Preparations containing lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole and esoprazole can only be sold on a doctor's prescription and dispensed under the supervision of a pharmacist, whereas preparations containing omeprazole can be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist.