A doctor has issued a serious caution regarding the use of a widely utilized medication. Omeprazole, a prevalent drug in the UK functioning as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), is commonly employed to address issues like acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.

This medication was the pioneer and continues to be the most frequently prescribed PPI, with millions of NHS prescriptions being dispensed annually. Many consider it an essential drug for patients dealing with acid-related stomach conditions.

Recent statistics demonstrate that in England, 73 million NHS prescriptions for all PPIs were issued in 2022-23, with omeprazole being among the two leading prescribed medications. Due to the vast number of individuals taking or being prescribed omeprazole, a warning has been issued by a doctor for users. This notice coincides with an NHS warning about codeine side effects affecting 1 in 100 people.

Dr. Ana Pérez Ballesta, a family doctor with a master’s in Emergency Medicine, advises that unnecessary use of this drug could be more detrimental than beneficial. She remarked: “Taking it without necessity can impede the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12”.

Omeprazole is a heavily prescribed medication both in the UK and worldwide, but Dr. Ballesta highlights that its application has often exceeded its original intent. She notes that many people commonly use it as a “stomach protector” against heavy foods, alcohol, or occasionally ingested medications, as reported by the Mirror.

Nevertheless, the medical expert has alerted that persisting in this practice for years without medical oversight might lead to side effects. She clarifies that omeprazole and similar medications, such as esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole, belong to the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) group.

“They reduce stomach acid and are useful, but not always,” she stated. “They are indicated for reflux or oesophagitis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, Helicobacter pylori eradication, and chronic treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs if there is a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.”

The issue arises when it’s taken as a preventative measure without a clear clinical cause. 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 be a reason to consume it.

In her view, this practice is widespread, even though the concept of a “stomach protector” doesn’t really exist.

Unnecessary use over a prolonged period 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 connected to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, also known as SIBO.

Dr Ballesta stressed that in her practice, she has encountered countless patients who had been consuming omeprazole for more than a decade without a clear 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.”

Taking omeprazole for an extended period can heighten the likelihood of developing certain health complications, including deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, fractured bones, and kidney difficulties.

Whilst omeprazole is typically safe for short-term usage, the dangers linked with prolonged use are concerning, particularly for elderly individuals.

The medications can boost the likelihood of contracting a serious bacterial infection known as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which can trigger severe diarrhoea.

Multiple studies suggest a link between omeprazole and long-term adverse effects, though these are observational.

This indicates they can demonstrate associations without definitively establishing that the medication is the direct cause.

It’s crucial to discuss with a doctor whether to continue using it long-term, as they can help assess the benefits against the potential dangers based on your individual health needs. A medical professional has issued a stark warning to those who take omeprazole without proper prescription, stating: “Prolonged self-medication with this type of inhibitor can lead to complications that far outweigh the supposed benefits of taking it just in case,”.

Abruptly discontinuing omeprazole isn’t harmful per se, but it could trigger a severe and temporary resurgence of acid reflux symptoms known as “rebound acid hypersecretion.”

This occurs when the stomach begins to overproduce acid to compensate for the medication’s effects, which can exacerbate the original symptoms. This rebound effect is a common withdrawal symptom, particularly if you’ve been on the medication for more than a few weeks.

The silver lining is that this typically doesn’t last long, and the symptoms can be managed.

What does the NHS have to say?

The NHS website advises: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription.”

It further instructs: “See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”

The NHS also provides information about the administration of omeprazole, stating that it usually comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquid that you swallow. Some tablets can 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 typically taken once or twice daily. The duration of use varies from person to person; some may require it for a few days, while others may need it for several weeks, months or even years.

Always refer to the information provided with your medication and consult a pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure about dosage or encounter any issues.

Like all medications, omeprazole can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of omeprazole include:.

There are also potential serious side effects associated with omeprazole, though these are rare. Possible serious side effects of omeprazole include:.

The likelihood of experiencing serious side effects increases with prolonged use of omeprazole (a year or more).