FDA OKs Prilosec, Nexium for long-term use

Washington -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has completed a review of the drugs Prilosec and Nexium, finding no evidence of increased rates of cardiac problems.

AstraZeneca, the maker of Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole), sent the FDA data May 29 from two long-term studies in patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease who were being treated with either Prilosec or Nexium. The studies were designed to assess the effectiveness of treatment with Prilosec and Nexium.

At the FDA's request, AstraZeneca submitted a large amount of additional information. The agency Monday announced it had completed a comprehensive review of the information and concluded long-term use of the drugs is not likely to be associated with an increased risk of heart problems.

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Copyright 2007 by United Press International.