Practitioner says omeprazole may cause ‘two problems’ for anyone on it for reflux (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A practitioner has outlined the ‘two problems’ that may arise from taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI), such as omeprazole, for an extended period. Specialist, Simon Mills, discussed the potential issues on an episode of Diary of a CEO.
He says the issues could emerge with prolonged use of the commonly-prescribed medication. Omeprazole is typically given to treat people experiencing acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion.
Simon Mills is a herbal practitioner with nearly five decades of clinical experience treating patients. He graduated from Cambridge with a degree in medical sciences and has served as a special adviser to the UK House of Lords, reports the Mirror.
He currently works as an Adviser and Author at Herbal Reality. He is a former Herbal Strategist for Pukka Herbs and current self-care lead for the College of Medicine. He focuses on evidence-based herbal medicine and self-care.
Speaking to host Steven Bartlett, Simon described omeprazole as « the most widely prescribed drug in this country, and I believe in the US also. » He mentioned Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) as a condition « which is made better by omeprazole ».
Read more: NHS warning for anyone who takes common heartburn and indigestion medicine
Read more: NHS omeprazole advice over ‘red flag’ side effect symptoms
GORD is caused by stomach acid leaking back into the oesophagus, causing burning sensations and potential damage. Simon added: « And what omeprazole does is shut down the acid production in the stomach. So you don’t get as much damage from reflux.
« When we’re getting acid reflux, actually, it’s not because you got too much acid. is because you’re refluxing it. It’s going back up into the oesophagus. But omeprazole will put an end to that. »
What are the ‘two problems’ with omeprazole that Simon claims?
Simon claims: « There are two problems with that. First is that the list of problems occurring from long-term omeprazole use is beginning to grow and is serious… All sorts of things are beginning to be downstream problems associated with long-term omeprazole use. »
According to the NHS, taking omeprazole for an extended period (typically more than a year) is generally considered safe when monitored, but it can increase the likelihood of adverse effects. These adverse effects can include bone fractures, inadequate absorption of nutrients such as vitamin B12 and magnesium, and infections, such as C. difficile, which is a form of bacteria that can trigger diarrhoea.
GPs typically prescribe it for four to eight weeks to alleviate heartburn or reflux. It’s crucial to have routine consultations with your GP if you’re taking it long-term.
The NHS says: « The chance of getting serious side effects can be higher if you take omeprazole for a long time (a year or more). » The health service adds that omeprazole can occasionally trigger serious side effects, though most of them are uncommon. Possible 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
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The second concern Simon raises relates to discontinuing omeprazole. He said: « But the other thing is that once you’re on it, it’s really difficult to come off it, and you get a famous rebound effect. »
He explained: « So you come off omeprazole, and wow, you get much more trouble. So the only thing to do is take more omeprazole, and people find it really hard to come off it. So you have to do a lot of hard work to wean people off and do it in sorts of different ways. »
When you cease taking omeprazole, as directed by your GP, your body can experience something known as rebound acid hypersecretion. This means that for approximately two to four weeks, your stomach may produce more acid than usual, causing symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion to intensify.
This occurs because your body is attempting to compensate for the acid that was suppressed while you were on the medication.
The NHS says: « Research has found that some people who have been taking PPIs for more than two months find that their body is producing more acid (referred to as rebound acid) to compensate for the acid-reducing effects of these medications. This can mean that your symptoms can worsen again when trying to stop taking the PPI medication. If this happens to you, it should only be for up to two weeks after stopping the PPI. »
Scientists conducting a 2024 study into ‘rebound acid hypersecretion’ following the cessation of long-term proton pump inhibitor treatment stated: « One of the adverse effects of the long-term use of PPI is rebound acid hypersecretion (RAHS), which can occur after the withdrawal of PPI therapy due to a compensatory increase in gastric acid production. »
Should you have any queries or worries, consult your GP. For further details, visit the NHS website. Always review the packet or leaflet accompanying your medication.
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