A registered pharmacist is urging millions of people taking Omeprazole to pay attention to small changes in their body, warning that they may not be just "a minor issue."
Raj Patel, who appears on TikTok as Straight-Talking Pharmacist, issued the alert as an estimated 10 million people are on the medication. That means around 15 per cent of the UK, or one in seven people, use the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for anything from acid reflux to stomach ulcers, making it one of the most prescribed medications in the UK.
How Omeprazole works
Omeprazole works by blocking an enzyme which ultimately decreases the amount of acid pumped into the stomach by binding to the proton pump in the body. Although generally viewed as safe and effective, the NHS does warn that "Omeprazole can sometimes cause serious side effects." However, it says this is rare and more likely if taken for more than a year.
The pharmacist's warning
Mr Patel, known for his no-nonsense style of delivery, said: "Have you been taking Omeprazole - a medicine for stomach acid - for at least three months and started to feel unusual symptoms that you've never felt before? Symptoms your doctor never told you about?"
He continued: "You go to your doctor, get a medicine prescribed for acid reflux, then pick it up from the pharmacy and start taking Omeprazole without reading the leaflet - is that you? Are you overlooking the small changes in your body, especially when they creep up on you slowly? If you are on Omeprazole long-term, then these changes might be more significant than you think. Ignoring them could cost you more than just discomfort."
Potential deficiencies and risks
He added: "Omeprazole use can lead to a drop in magnesium levels. This isn't just a minor issue - it can make you feel tired, confused, and dizzy. Even more concerning are the muscle twitches, shakiness, and irregular heartbeat. These are your body's distress signals."
"Vitamin B12 deficiency is another silent attacker, creeping in with symptoms like extreme fatigue, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, and that unsettling feeling of pins and needles. It's a lot to take in."
"Let's not forget the increased risks - bone fractures, gut infections, and, though it needs more research, a potential link to stomach cancer, especially with use beyond three years."
What the NHS says
The NHS says: "Omeprazole is a medicine that reduces the amount of acid in your stomach. It's used to treat conditions such as heartburn. You can buy some types from pharmacies and shops, but most types are only available with a prescription."
"Omeprazole usually comes as tablets, capsules and liquid that you swallow. Some tablets can be dissolved in water. How much to take and for how long depends on the type of omeprazole you're taking and why you're taking it."
"It's usually taken once or twice a day. Some people may only need to take it for a few days, others may need to take it for several weeks, months or years."
"Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or you have any problems taking it."
Common side effects
Common side effects of omeprazole include headaches, stomach pain, feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), constipation or diarrhoea, and farting more than usual.
Serious side effects
Omeprazole can sometimes cause serious side effects, but most of them are rare. Possible serious side effects 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; and a type of lupus that can cause rashes (particularly on parts of the body exposed to the sun) and joint pain. The chance of getting serious side effects can be higher if you take omeprazole for a long time (a year or more).
