TORONTO - Health Canada says it finds no evidence to suggest a popular heartburn drug increases the risk of cardiac problems.
The department says it will continue to monitor safety data for Nexium (esomeprazole) as it is produced, but at this point does not see a link between the drug and cardiovascular risks.
But the department says the picture is less clear for another heartburn drug, Losec (omeprazole).
It says after a thorough analysis, Health Canada cannot definitively say if there is a potential for increased cardiovascular risk in people taking the drug on a long-term basis.
The department says it will continue the evaluation if more data become available.
It says patients taking either drug should not change their medication without consulting a doctor because ulcers and reflux can lead to other complications if left untreated.
