The medication is used to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers
22:25, 01 Oct 2025Updated 22:25, 01 Oct 2025
Millions of omeprazole NHS prescriptions are dispensed every year(Image: Getty)
A medical professional has issued a warning to anyone taking a widely-used type of medication. Throughout the UK, omeprazole is a popular drug working as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). It’s frequently used to address problems such as acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.
The treatment was the pioneering and most widely prescribed PPI, with millions of NHS prescriptions dispensed each year. Many consider it an essential remedy for countless patients struggling with acid-related gastric disorders.
Recent data shows that in England, 73 million NHS prescriptions for all PPIs were dispensed during 2022-23, with omeprazole featuring as one of the two most frequently prescribed medicines. Given the enormous number of people taking omeprazole or receiving prescriptions for the drug, a medical expert has issued a warning message to all users.
Dr Ana Pérez Ballesta, a family doctor with a master’s degree in Emergency Medicine, cautions that taking the medication without proper justification could be causing more harm than good. She said: “If you take it unnecessarily, it can hinder the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12,” reports Yorkshire Live.
Omeprazole ranks among the most prescribed treatments in the UK and globally, yet the doctor cautions that she believes its usage has expanded far beyond its original purpose.
She notes that numerous individuals employ it as a “stomach protector” against rich meals, alcohol consumption, or the occasional use of certain medications. However, the health expert cautions that this practice can trigger adverse effects when maintained for years without medical oversight.
Dr Ana Pérez Ballesta has discussed the risks of taking omeprazole unnecessarily(Image: Getty)
She explains omeprazole and other comparable medications, including esomeprazole, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole, fall within the category 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 issue emerges when it’s consumed as a precautionary measure without a definitive clinical justification. 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 warrant its consumption.
In her view, this approach is commonplace, despite the notion of “stomach protector” being essentially non-existent. Extended, unwarranted usage can lead to substantial ramifications. “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 highlighted that it has been connected to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, commonly referred to as SIBO. Dr Ballesta stressed that within her clinical practice, she has encountered countless patients who had been prescribed 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.”
Prolonged omeprazole usage can heighten the likelihood of developing certain health complications, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies, bone fractures, and renal problems. Whilst omeprazole is generally considered safe for brief periods, the dangers linked to extended use are concerning, particularly amongst elderly patients.
The medications can elevate the risk of contracting a dangerous bacterial infection known as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), which may trigger severe diarrhoea. Multiple studies suggest a correlation between omeprazole and chronic adverse effects, though these remain observational.
This indicates they can demonstrate associations without definitively establishing that the medication is the direct culprit. It’s crucial to consult with a medical professional about continuing long-term usage, as they can assist in weighing the advantages against potential hazards based on individual health needs.
The doctor is urging individuals who take omeprazole to remember that while it’s an effective and beneficial medication when correctly prescribed, it shouldn’t be used routinely or preventively without a doctor’s advice. “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.
Abruptly discontinuing omeprazole isn’t harmful, but it could result in a severe and temporary resurgence of acid reflux symptoms known as “rebound acid hypersecretion.”
This occurs when the stomach begins producing excessive acid to compensate for the drug’s effects, which can be even more severe than the initial 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 advise?
According to a statement on the NHS website: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription.” It further advises: “See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”
The NHS also informs that omeprazole 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 might need it for several weeks, months or even years.
Always 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 headachestomach painfeeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)constipation or diarrhoeafarting 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 weaknessweakened bones, which can break more easily if you have a fall or injuryan allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathinga 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).