A drug referred to as a “Proton Pump Inhibitor” is omeprazole. a group of medicines that stop the release of stomach HCL. and it is employed in the therapy of:
- acid reflux disease (duodenal and gastric ulcers).
- gastrointestinal reflux (acid reflux).
- Acid esophagitis (a complication of acid reflux).
- while NSAID-induced ulcers are being treated.
- As an OTC medication, it is used to treat heartburn.
Typical Omeprazole Adverse Reactions.
Omeprazole side effects were reported far too frequently. Only a few of these are frequent (in more than 1% of those using the medicine).
We will just discuss omeprazole’s typical negative effects in this part (Source: Uptodate.com):
- Headache: 7% of the time.
- abdominal discomfort or pain: 5%.
- nausea: 4%.
- Vertigo: 3%.
- Flatulence: 3%.
- Unsteadiness: 2%.
- 2% of people vomit acid.
- Congestion: 2%
- 2 percent of people have an upper respiratory illness.
- Cough: 1%.
- Back pain and weakness: 1%.
- harmful effects of omeprazole.
The following adverse effects are uncommon but could have detrimental consequences on health.
- A serious form of colon inflammation is brought on by the bacteria Clostridium difficile (colitis). The two primary risk factors are prolonged use and age greater than 56.
- with extremely long-term usage, cancer (more than 2 years). below is discussed.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms include skin lesions and rashes.
- fractures in bones.
- inflamed kidneys (Interstitial Nephritis).
- a lack of magnesium.
- an absence of vitamin B12.
- Infections of the digestive tract: Salmonella and Campylobacter species can be more likely to infect people who take omeprazole for a long time.
Is Omeprazole Associated with Weight Gain?
Omeprazole use has been associated with weight gain, especially with prolonged use. In 2009, research looking at how omeprazole affects weight gain was published in the global journal of gastroenterology.
Omeprazole medication resulted in patients gaining an average of 3.5 kg in 71% of cases after a median of more than 2 years.
This study found that 71% of patients took omeprazole and gained only moderate amounts of weight; 29% of patients actually lost weight while using omeprazole.
Omeprazole appears not to produce appreciable weight gain when taken for a brief period of time (weeks). Omeprazole should only be taken long-term when your doctor has prescribed it.
Read more: Does Buspar Cause Weight Gain? A Complete Guide In 2022!
Could Omeprazole Lead to Cancer?
Atrophic gastritis has been connected to long-term Omeprazole use. According to a review article published in 2019, prolonged usage of proton pump inhibitors raises the risk of stomach cancer. But take note: This finding relates to its extended use (for several months or years).
Additionally, H. Pylori infection and peptic ulcers are common among those who use omeprazole for extended periods of time, increasing their chance of developing stomach cancer. In other words, the diseases that omeprazole must be used to cure are also those that cause cancer.
Furthermore, PPIs like omeprazole have completely changed how acid reflux is treated. When your stomach acid leaks back into your esophagus, it is known as acid reflux.
Barrett’s esophagus, also known as chronic esophageal irritation, is a condition where precancerous lesions develop. PPIs (such as omeprazole) can thereby guard against esophageal cancer (ref).
The hazards of not taking omeprazole for GERD outweigh the benefits, according to Harvard Medical School.
It is not the goal here to continuously abuse omeprazole. Use only as your doctor has prescribed.
Read more: Does Lexapro Cause Weight Gain? Explained In Brief!
Can You Gain Weight After Discontinuing Omeprazole?
There is no proof that weight gain can occur when omeprazole is stopped. Additionally, using omeprazole instead of quitting it can result in weight gain.
According to research published in the “World Journal of Gastroenterology,” weight gain may occur in 70% of patients who take omeprazole for an extended period of time.
If your doctor gives you omeprazole for a prolonged period, keep an eye on your weight. Track your weight after discontinuing omeprazole as well as any dietary or lifestyle modifications that can result in weight gain. And talk about the matter with your doctor.