CHICAGO, June 2 -- A pill combining ibuprofen (Motrin) and the acid-suppressing H2 antagonist famotidine (Pepcid) significantly reduced development of gastric and duodenal ulcers relative to ibuprofen alone, researchers reported here.
From 10.5% to 11.5% of patients receiving the combination product developed gastric or duodenal ulcers in two six-month randomized trials, compared with 20% to 23% of those taking just ibuprofen (P<0.05), reported Loren A. Laine, M.D., of the University of Southern California, here at Digestive Disease Week.
Dr. Laine said the combination pill, known as HZT-501, might improve adherence in patients on chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy.
Published guidelines recommend that these patients take acid-suppressing drugs, too, in order to reduce development of ulcers, he said.
"We also know that most patients who have increased GI risk are not taking these protective therapies," he told attendees. "Decreased adherence is associated with significantly greater risk of ulcer or bleeding."
HZT-501 combines 800 mg of ibuprofen and 26.6 mg of famotidine in a tablet for dosing three times daily.
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