In your earlier column on Long-Term Use of Prilosec, you said that Prilosec is extremely safe for most people. However, I heard a report that nine people have died using Prilosec. Can you elaborate on this? What were the circumstances? And are there any contraindications for the use of this drug?

P.

Prilosec is a member of a class of drugs called proton-pump inhibitors. These drugs are among the safest prescription drugs available. In studies, side effects appear no more frequently with this drug than with a placebo (sugar pill). The most common side effects are nausea, headache and diarrhea, but these are extremely rare. Based on the millions and millions of people worldwide who have used the drug I am confident it is quite safe.

The only contraindications are allergy to the drug, which is also extremely rare. We are careful with people on blood thinners (Coumadin) and a few other drugs, but these are not contraindications. I am not aware of the nine deaths you have alluded to. Often adverse reactions or bad outcomes that happen while someone is taking a drug may be coincidental, and in fact reflect another problem. Many people have taken Prilosec for 10 years without problems.