Loading...
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often prescribed to high-risk users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent gastroduodenal ulceration; there is less evidence supporting histamine-2 (H2) antagonists for this purpose.
In an industry-sponsored study, researchers identified nearly 1400 Helicobacter pylori–negative patients (age 40–80) who required NSAID therapy for pain or arthritis. Patients were randomized to receive thrice-daily treatment with either a single-tablet combination of ibuprofen and famotidine (800 mg and 26.6 mg, respectively) or ibuprofen only (800 mg). Patients underwent endoscopy at 8, 16, and 24 weeks.
The cumulative incidence of endoscopic gastric or duodenal ulcers was 11% in the ibuprofen + famotidine …