Dr Xand has issued an urgent alert for the millions of people taking Omeprazole, following a new study suggesting many may be using the acid reflux medication unnecessarily. The BBC doctor shared his verdict on the popular drug during an episode of Morning Live on May 26.
New Study Raises Questions
A recent study claimed that up to two-thirds of people with suspected acid reflux do not actually have the condition, potentially leading to unnecessary use of medications like Omeprazole. However, Dr Xand urged caution, pointing out limitations in the research. He noted the study involved a limited participant group, was conducted by a gut testing company, and has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning it lacks scrutiny from other scientists.
"All of which is to say the results do not seem to add up to what we actually know," Dr Xand explained. He warned against acting on the headlines, stressing that suddenly stopping Omeprazole can cause a rebound overproduction of acid, making symptoms worse and leading to further complications.
Safety of Omeprazole
Addressing concerns about long-term side effects, Dr Xand delivered his ultimate verdict: "The number one thing I want people to remember, is these medications are extremely safe. They are Blockbuster drugs, taken all over the world by billions of people. They have been studied very, very carefully." He acknowledged a very small increased risk of gut infections—around 0.4 percent—but emphasised that this risk is outweighed by the benefits, such as preventing dangerous bleeds.
Dr Xand also noted that many people take Omeprazole "a lot longer than they should" and advised regular reviews with a doctor for any long-term medication. For those considering stopping, he urged them to speak to a healthcare professional before taking any action.
What the NHS Says
In the UK, Omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are available both on prescription and over the counter at pharmacies. 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." Common side effects include headaches, stomach pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or vomiting.
