ITV's resident medic and NHS GP, Dr Amir Khan, has issued an important health warning to the millions of people across the UK who take the common stomach medication omeprazole. The widely-used drug, prescribed for conditions like heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers, requires careful consideration for those on long-term treatment plans.
Dr Khan took to his popular Instagram platform, followed by over 788,000 people, to share crucial information about potential side effects that users should recognise. He emphasised in his video message: "All meds can have possible side effects. Here are some things you need to know and what to do."
Understanding Proton Pump Inhibitors
Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing stomach acid production. While highly effective at managing acid-related symptoms and allowing damaged digestive tissues to heal, Dr Khan explained that relief might take several days to weeks depending on the condition being treated.
The NHS GP was careful to note that these medications "do a world of good" for most patients, but he wanted to ensure people understood the potential consequences of extended use. He specifically cautioned against stopping medication abruptly without professional medical advice.
Key Health Risks of Long-Term Use
Dr Khan highlighted several significant concerns for those taking PPIs like omeprazole over extended periods. Long-term use can interfere with your body's ability to absorb essential nutrients, potentially leading to deficiencies in vitamin B12, magnesium, and calcium.
These deficiencies can manifest in various ways. A shortage of vitamin B12 might cause nerve problems, mental fog, and dizziness. Reduced magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia) could result in fatigue, muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, and even seizures. Calcium absorption issues may increase the risk of weaker bones and fractures.
Additional risks associated with prolonged omeprazole use include:
- Increased susceptibility to infections like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) due to reduced stomach acid that normally kills germs
- Potential short-term increased risk of pneumonia
- Higher likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease with extended use
- Formation of usually harmless stomach growths called fundic gland polyps
Practical Steps and Recommendations
Dr Khan provided clear, actionable advice for those concerned about their omeprazole use. He suggested ensuring your diet includes plenty of green leafy vegetables, nuts, and dairy products to support nutrient levels naturally.
For those whose symptoms are well-controlled, he mentioned that reducing the dosage or switching to intermittent use might be possible after consulting with a GP. The NHS specifically advises that people taking over-the-counter omeprazole should not use it for longer than two weeks without seeing a doctor.
Most importantly, Dr Khan stressed that anyone with concerns about their medication should speak directly with their GP or pharmacist rather than making changes independently. Regular monitoring of vitamin levels might be advisable for long-term users to catch any deficiencies early.
The medical expert's warning serves as a timely reminder for the many Britons relying on this common medication to balance the benefits of symptom relief with awareness of potential long-term health considerations.
