Review of Nexium, Losec complete, says Health Canada

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 | 11:14 AM ET

CBC News

Health Canada's review of Losec and Nexium — two prescription drugs that are used to treat acid-related stomach disorders — has shown mixed results, it was revealed Wednesday.

It has concluded that there is no evidence supporting an increased cardiovascular risk associated with the long-term use of Nexium, the agency said in a release.

The health agency, however, said it was unable to definitely conclude if there is an increased cardiovascular risk associated with long-term use of the Losec.

Last August, Health Canada announced it was investigating the drugs' links to serious cardiac problems.

Losec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole), reduce gastric secretions and are used to treat heartburn, gastric reflux disease and ulcers. Losec is sold in Canada in the generic form under the names Apo-omeprazole, Ratio-omeprazole and Sandoz-omeprazole.

Esomeprazole is solely sold under the trade name Nexium.

"The department will continue to monitor safety issues related to esomeprazole by conducting further analysis of ongoing long-term studies as this data becomes available," according to the release.

"We will continue to evaluate should more conclusive data become available, and will advise Canadians if any further regulatory actions are required," said Health Canada.

It said it will be working alongside manufacturers to include current study data in the Canadian Product Monographs for Losec and other medications containing omeprazole.

Health Canada is advising patients taking either drug to not make changes to their medication unless they have discussed it with their doctor.