Many people regard it as a vital treatment for numerous patients battling acid-related gastric conditions
A healthcare expert has issued an a word of caution to anyone taking a commonly-used type of medication.
Across Britain, omeprazole is a popular drug that functions as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
It’s regularly employed to tackle issues such as acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.
The medicine was the ground-breaking and most extensively prescribed PPI, with millions of NHS prescriptions issued annually.
Many people regard it as a vital treatment for numerous patients battling acid-related gastric conditions.
Latest figures reveal that in England, 73 million NHS prescriptions for all PPIs were issued during 2022-23, with omeprazole appearing as one of the two most commonly prescribed medications.
Given the vast number of people using omeprazole or obtaining prescriptions for the drug, a healthcare professional has delivered a cautionary message to all those taking it.
Dr Ana Pérez Ballesta, a GP with a master’s degree in Emergency Medicine, warns that using the medication without adequate justification could be causing more damage than benefit, reports the Liverpool Echo.
She said: “If you take it unnecessarily, it can hinder the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12,” reports Yorkshire Live.
Omeprazole sits amongst the most prescribed treatments in Britain and worldwide, yet the medic warns that she believes its use has stretched well beyond its intended scope.
She highlights that many people use it as a “stomach protector” against rich meals, alcohol intake, or occasional use of certain medications.
However, the health expert warns that this habit can lead to negative effects if sustained for years without medical supervision.
She clarifies that omeprazole and other similar drugs, such as esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole, belong to the group of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
“They reduce stomach acid and are useful, but not always,” she said.
“They are indicated for reflux or esophagitis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, Helicobacter pylori eradication, and chronic treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs if there is a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.”
The problem arises when it’s taken as a preventative measure without a clear clinical reason.
According to Dr Ballesta, “to avoid heartburn before a heavy meal or every time you’re prescribed an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory on a one-off basis” shouldn’t justify its use.
In her opinion, this practice is widespread, despite the concept of a “stomach protector” being essentially non-existent.
Prolonged, unnecessary use can have significant consequences.
“If you take it for years without needing it, it can hinder the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, anaemia from various causes, and digestive infections,” the specialist warned.
She also pointed out that it has been linked to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, commonly known as SIBO.
Dr Ballesta emphasised that within her clinical practice, she has seen numerous patients who had been given omeprazole for over ten years without proper justification.
“In my practice, I have seen many people who have been taking it for 10 or 15 years without really knowing why, some of them already suffering from osteoporosis, anaemia that doesn’t respond to certain treatments, or digestive problems for which we can’t find another cause.”
Extended omeprazole use can increase the risk of developing certain health complications, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies, bone fractures, and kidney problems.
Whilst omeprazole is generally deemed safe for short periods, the risks associated with long-term use are troubling, particularly among older patients.
The drugs can raise the risk of contracting a dangerous bacterial infection called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which may cause severe diarrhoea.
Several studies indicate a link between omeprazole and chronic side effects, though these remain observational. This suggests they can show connections without conclusively proving that the medication is the direct cause.
It’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional regarding continued long-term use, as they can help evaluate the benefits against potential risks based on individual health requirements.
The doctor is encouraging people who take omeprazole to bear in mind that whilst it’s an effective and valuable medication when properly prescribed, it shouldn’t be taken routinely or as a preventative measure without medical guidance.
“Extended self-medication with this type of inhibitor can lead to complications that far outweigh the supposed benefits of taking it just in case,” she warned.
Suddenly stopping omeprazole isn’t dangerous, but it might cause a severe and temporary return of acid reflux symptoms called “rebound acid hypersecretion”.
This happens when the stomach starts overproducing acid to counteract the drug’s effects, which can be even worse than the original symptoms.
This rebound reaction is a typical withdrawal symptom, especially if you’ve been taking the medication for more than several weeks.
The positive aspect is that this usually doesn’t persist long, and the symptoms can be controlled.
What does the NHS recommend?
According to guidance on the NHS website: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription.”
It also states: “See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”
The NHS has provided information that omeprazole typically comes in the form of tablets, capsules and a liquid that you swallow. Some tablets can even be dissolved in water.
The dosage and duration depend on the type of omeprazole you’re taking and the reason for its use.
Omeprazole is usually taken once or twice daily. The length of use varies from person to person; some may require it for a few days, while others might need it for several weeks, months or even years.
It’s always best to refer to the packet or leaflet that accompanies your medication. If you’re uncertain about how to take it or encounter any issues, consult a pharmacist or doctor.
Like all medications, omeprazole can lead to side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of omeprazole include:
- a headache
- stomach pain
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- constipation or diarrhoea
- farting more than usual
Omeprazole can occasionally result in serious side effects, though these are generally rare. Potential serious side effects of omeprazole include:
- having a very low level of vitamin B12, which can cause symptoms such as tiredness, dizziness, or muscle twitches or weakness
- weakened bones, which can break more easily if you have a fall or injury
- an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
- a type of lupus that can cause rashes (particularly on parts of the body exposed to the sun) and joint pain
The likelihood of experiencing serious side effects can increase if you take omeprazole for an extended period (a year or more).
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