Popular drugs used for heart burn and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) are proven to increase the risk of a fracture, whether it be hip, wrist or spine, in findings from various studies as confirmed by the Food and Drug Administration. These drugs, Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium, Aciphex, Protonix (pantoprazole), stop acid from being produced which is needed for the absorption of calcium. Long term use (>1year) or high dose use, is associated with this risk. Go to the FDA website for more information. The link is: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm213321.htm