The below information is taken from an internet article that quotes a TV doctor advising on the long term use of PPI Omeprazole. What you should know and what you can/should do.
Though this is about PPI Omeprazole, personally, I would suggest this applies to any/all medicines that are used for long term. It’s a risk vs benefits consideration which in my view many of us simply do not do or consider (until it is too late).
It may help you, or it may not, but it’s here for your edification.
Medication can do a lot of good, but sometimes they bring unexpected side effects.
For example, PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors – Omeprazole) when used for a long time may result in your body absorbing less vitamin B12, magnesium and calcium. This can leave some people feeling tired or at risk of weaker bones. If you’ve been on them for a while, and this happens, it might be worth getting your GP to check your vitamin levels.
Health issues that may be triggered through prolonged use of omeprazole
Taking omeprazole over an extended period can disrupt how your body takes in vital nutrients. This could result in a shortage of vitamin B12, potentially leading to nerve problems, mental fog, and light-headedness.
It may also deplete magnesium levels - a condition called hypomagnesemia - leaving you feeling exhausted, experiencing muscle spasms, an erratic heartbeat, or in severe cases, seizures.
There’s also the danger of developing iron and calcium deficiencies, which can negatively impact bone health and various bodily functions.
Extended use of omeprazole may heighten susceptibility to infections as well. Reduced stomach acid levels, which typically help eliminate harmful bacteria, could raise the likelihood of contracting Clostridioides difficile (C.diff) infection – a severe intestinal condition causing extreme diarrhoea.
Bone fractures present another concern. Prolonged usage, particularly for a year or longer at high doses, has been associated with increased fracture risk in the hip, wrist, or spine, probably resulting from diminished calcium absorption.
An elevated risk of kidney complications, with long-term use being linked to a greater probability of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Stomach growths such as fundic gland polyps – typically benign formations on the stomach lining – may develop with extended use.
@ManjiB again excellent and informative. Since my stroke I do not like taking meds and really I could get by without them, but GP not Willig o take the chance as its by the book. You would think they would research into a more healthier way as its now 2026 and not 1946. I could not shift my osteoarthritis and has to result in going to GP for meds which I am greatful for as the male doctor seem to have found something that works, it doesn’t cure but and I still have pain but it manages it. Have a great day
Right now, we feel that apart from the stroke itself, all other subsequent problems Mum has experienced have been down to medication that was prescribed for her. Some of it was not necessary or should only have been short term e.g. the BP stuff as high BP only became a problem as an inpatient as did her diabetes. We tried to get the doctors to stop them, but like you we felt obliged to follow their guidance but in the end at one point towards the end of last year she was close to being on zero meds and if only we had stopped the asprin we might be in a better position than we are now. But no matter, what has happened has happened and we move on.
Right now, I am waiting for a consultant with the hospital doctors who have prescribed anti-seizure as well as other meds which the want Mum to take for ever. I guess they think she might not be around much longer being in her mid-nineties and having comorbidities - and they are wrong on both counts, she will be around for a long time yet and she does not have comorbidities other than those that they cause and which she somehow fights off.
I told them on discharge that we would look to stop asap and we might ignore their advice. They said they can’t force us to take the meds and they will deal with the consequences of our actions i.e. if we stop and Mum becomes more ill, they will still look after her (how nice ). So we gave them fair notice and tried to explain why we believe these meds need not be taken forever but they know best and insisted we follow their advice.
The referral is a high priority from the GP but I expect this means nothing and so I am not going to wait. Having thought it through, discussed with my co-carer and knowing Mum’s philosophy and attitude to medicines (manufactured), I/we have stopped the anti-seizure meds and also tapered off the others. Mum has not had any seizures and we don’t expect her to (I have already detailed my reasoning in earlier posts and so won’t repeat it here). So as I write this, Mum is pretty much on zero meds and doing nicely thank you very much (at least as much as reasonably possibly being a stroke survivor and a nonagenarian).
IreneFC - we are all different and we must do what we believe to be right for us. There is no wrong and there is no right. You along with a few other members who I chat to on this forum pretty much know what you are doing and more than that I could not ask for.
@ManjiB Love to you and your family. This is very helpful to me as I have always believed in the body self-healing of taking natural remedies. I was raised that way in Glasgow. Grandma always has a cure for everything and nothing involved taking meds. Have a lovely day
). So we gave them fair notice and tried to explain why we believe these meds need not be taken forever but they know best and insisted we follow their advice.