Health Canada reviewing AstraZeneca's stomach drugs
TORONTO (Reuters) - Health Canada said on Thursday that it was investigating a possible link between two AstraZeneca drugs used to treat acid-related stomach disorders and heart attacks and cardiac deaths.
The agency said it was reviewing studies that showed patients using Losec or Nexium may have experienced more heart attacks or cardiac deaths than patients who underwent anti-reflux surgery.
But it also said the preliminary review suggests that the evidence provided does not confirm the existence of a possible cardiovascular risk.
The review is based on data from Health Canada as well as two long-term clinical studies that examined the effectiveness of the drugs used in preventing the return of reflux symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, compared WITH patients who underwent anti-reflux surgery.
Health Canada will complete its analysis of the new information by the end of the year.
The agency recommended that doctors should not change their prescription practices until the review is complete. It also suggested that patients taking Losec or Nexium should consult their doctor before making any change to their medication.
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