COMMON TREATMENT: Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat a variety of stomach complaints (Image: Getty)
A GP has taken to social media to highlight the risks of taking a widely used medication for prolonged periods. Called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), these medications are designed to reduce acid production in the stomach.
According to NHS data, 73 million prescriptions for PPIs were dispensed in England during 2022 and 2023. Common versions include omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (AcipHex).
The NHS explains that these medications help to relieve symptoms such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, and acid reflux. Certain types can be bought over-the-counter, but most require a prescription. When buying over-the-counter PPIs, available only at pharmacies, the NHS warns: “do not take for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription.”
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It’s important to note that there can be side effects when taking PPIs. The more common ones include headaches, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea, and increased gas, reports the Mirror. The NHS explains there are rarely serious side effects, although the chances increase if taken for a long time (a year or more).
GP Dr Ahmed, MBBS, MRCGP, warned people who have been taking either omeprazole or lansoprazole for six months or more to be aware of the potential risks. These include bone fractures, nerve damage, fatigue, and additional complications.
In a TikTok video, the doctor explained: “I saw a patient today who’s been taking this one medication for the last eight years that’s meant to be used short term – and that’s not even the crazy part. I bet the vast majority of you have even been prescribed or are currently taking his medication right now.
@dra_says Long term use of omeprazole needs to be discussed. Heartburn and reflux are generally a symptom of an underlying cause. These need to be investigated if you have been taking a anti acid medication long term. Please see your doctor before stopping any medication. #heartburn #acidreflux #omeprazole #stomachpain #stomachulcer #doctor #hpylori #GORD #gerd #stomachcancer #cancer #magnesium #fatigue ♬ original sound – Dr Ahmed
“This is medication everyone seems to be on, and some people for many years, and it’s not right because it has many side effects and shouldn’t be taken long term. This medication is omeprazole, or lansoprazole, or any anti-acid for reflux.
“So, this is the common story: you come in to see a doctor because you’ve got heartburn or acid reflux. We will examine you, check your bloods, check your stool for H pylori or a blood test H pylori, and so they all come back normal or even if the H pylori comes back positive. Everyone seems to get started on omeprazole or lansoprazole, and because of the nature of the NHS and reviews, these medications never really get reviewed and [the] patient is stuck on them for many months or even years.”
He continued: “But, here’s the crazy thing. Long-term use of omeprazole has many, many side effects. For example, if you use it for three months or more, your magnesium levels will become low, making you feel tired, which can cause bone problems and heart problems.”
And, there are other minerals and vitamins Dr Ahmed highlights that could be affected by prolonged use: “In six months to a year, your potassium may go low, and your B12 may become low. Chronic low B12 can cause things like pins and needles and nerve damage.
“And any longer than a year, you’re at risk of bone fractures. The thing is, our stomachs are meant to be acidic; therefore, omeprazole and all the other PPIs essentially neutralise our stomachs to try and control the symptoms of heartburn and reflux. Heartburn and reflux are just symptoms of an underlying cause, which you need to get investigated for.
“If you’ve been taking omeprazole for months or even years, you need to go to your doctor and ask why you’ve been on it for so long. Generally speaking, things like ulcers, bacterial or fungal overgrowth, lower oesophageal sphincter dysfunction, oesophageal muscle dysmotility need to be ruled out, just to name a few.”
If you have any concerns about any medication you’re on, speak to your GP or pharmacist.