PITTSBURGH, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- A study published in the October 27 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the use of certain drugs that suppress stomach acid production was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. Specifically, taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium and Prilosec was associated with a four times higher incidence of pneumonia. In addition, those taking certain H2 blockers also had an increased risk.
It is critical to note, however, that while the study authors found an elevated risk for some H2 blockers -- it was not the entire class of H2 drugs. The investigators saw no increased risk of pneumonia associated with Tagamet.
GSK Consumer Healthcare encourages consumers who have questions about the JAMA study results to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional.
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