Experts in the U.S. are debating evidence that links popular acid reflux drugs like Nexium, Prevacid and Prilosec to possible bone and heart problems.

The drugs, which belong to a class of pharmacetuical called “proton pump inhibitors” or PPIs and are generally considered safe and effective, have been the subject of studies that link their use to a variety of health problems from an increased rate of hip factture to a greater likelihood of diarrhea and community-acquired pneumonia.

Some medical experts point out that, while PPIs are an important class of medication, recent scientific literature raises questions that require further study of such issues as how the body’s metabolism of PPIs affects blood levels of other drugs processed in the liver.

Other experts believe the current studies do not meet the rules of evident to clearly implicate the effects of PPIs and, at the same time, the studies do not weight the bgenefits of treatment against any potential risk.

Millions of Americans take some type of proton pump inhibitor to ease the erosive effects of acid reflux. In 2008, PPIs were the third largest selling therapeutic class in the U.S. with sales of $13.9 billion. Furthermore, they were the sixth most widely dispenses retail prescription medication with 113.4 million prescriptions.

Among the health problems being connected with PPIs, the one causing the most concern involves its interaction with with blood thinner clopidogrel, Plavix, and one study even linked the drug combination to a 70 per cent increased risk of heart attack or unstable angina and a 48 per cent increased risk of stroke.

Medical experts who question the link between PPIs and an increased risk of other health problems say the studies are based mostly on information collected from a particular population.

Patients who are concerned about these drugs are advised to speak to their medical professional.