A registered pharmacist is urging the estimated 10 million people in the UK taking Omeprazole to watch for unusual symptoms that may not simply be a minor issue.
Raj Patel, known on TikTok as Pharmacist Health Raj, issued the alert as around 10 million people currently use the proton pump inhibitor (PPI). This means approximately 15 per cent of the UK population, or one in seven people, take the medication for conditions ranging from acid reflux to stomach ulcers, making it one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the country.
The drug works by blocking an enzyme which reduces the amount of acid pumped into the stomach by binding to the proton pump in the body. While it is generally regarded as safe and effective, the NHS cautions that Omeprazole can sometimes cause serious side effects, though this is rare and more likely in those taking it for over a year.
The warning
Mr Patel 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 added: "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."
'Silent attacker'
He went on to explain: "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 states: "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."
"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."
Common side effects of omeprazole include headaches, stomach pain, feeling sick or being sick, constipation or diarrhoea, and farting more than usual. Serious side effects are rare but can include a very low level of vitamin B12, weakened bones, an allergic reaction, and a type of lupus that can cause rashes and joint pain. The chance of getting serious side effects can be higher if omeprazole is taken for a year or more.
