Researchers have warned people to use omeprazole exactly as instructed after discovering the side effects
Omeprazole is usually only prescribed as a short-term medication(Image: GETTY)
A warning has been issued over the risks of misusing the common drug omeprazole. The medication is used to treat common ailments like heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux.
Yet researchers in Brazil have discovered how using the medication ‘inappropriately’ can cause a range of deficiencies and contribute to two serious health issues. In the ACS Omega journal earlier this year, scientists at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) discovered that using omeprazole for prolonged periods of time could result in a number of mineral deficiencies, increasing the risk of aneamia and osteoporosis and it compromised bone health.
Andréa Santana de Brito, a researcher at UNIFESP, told Agência FAPESP: “It isn’t a question of demonising the drug, which is effective for various gastric conditions. The problem is its trivialised use, even for mild symptoms such as heartburn, and for prolonged periods of months and even years. Its adverse effects shouldn’t be overlooked.”
In the UK, omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be prescribed by your GP. However, people can also self medicate as some types of PPIs are available at pharmacies without needing a prescription in the first place.
Other proton pump inhibitors include lansoprazole and esomeprazole(Image: GETTY)
The NHS warns: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than 2 weeks if you bought it without a prescription. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”
Omeprazole can cause a range of side effects even with normal usage under doctor’s orders. These can include headaches, stomach pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea or vomiting.
The Brazilian study used two groups of rats, one group was treated with omeprazole and one group didn’t receive the drug. The experiment lasted between 10 and 60 days with different levels of the drug simulating human use.
The study found long-term use of the drug changes how nutrients was absorbed and distributed within the animals’ bodies. It caused accumulations in the stomach, imbalances in the spleen and liver as well as changes in the blood.
The animals’ blood had increased calcium levels and decreased iron levels. Indicating a risk of anemia and osteoporosis as a result. Longer studies are needed to confirm these results.
Omeprazole may sometimes be prescribed for long-term use(Image: GETTY)
Osteoporosis causes the bones to become more weak and fragile, making it more susceptible to breaks and fractures as they start losing bone density. It develops over several years but the condition doesn’t have many noticeable symptoms.
Osteoporosis is usually only diagnosed once a person has broken a bone. This can be from falls, sudden impacts or even sneezing can be enough to break a rib in some cases according to the NHS.
Over time the condition can lead to severe chronic pain, disability and loss of independence. Treatment usually focuses on preventing breaks and using medicines to strengthen the bones.
Anaemia causes a range of noticeable symptoms including tiredness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, pale skin and headaches. It can be treated with certain medications and lifestyle changes such as eating more meat and fortified cereals.