Bisphosphonate use and subsequent prescription of acid suppressants

Aim To determine the extent of prescribing of acid suppression agents associated with initiation of bisphosphonate therapy. Methods This was a case control study, performed within the General Practice Network, Australia. The main outcome measure was re‐attendance within six weeks from index bisphosphonate prescription for acid supression agents. Results Of the bisphosphonate cases, 2.9%[95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8, 3.9] returned within 6 weeks for a prescription for proton pump inhibitor, histamine 2 receptor antagonist or antacid, compared with 0.9% of control patients (95% CI 0.5, 1.2). However, the bisphosphonate cases had significantly higher rates of previous use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents. After controlling for previous nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use, the increased use of acid suppression agents was statistically significant, the odds ratio = 3.21 (95% CI 2.02, 5.11). Conclusion Bisphosphonate use appears to be associated with increased use of acid suppressant agents within 6 weeks of first supply.