NHS Issues Guidance on Long-Term Use of Omeprazole

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has advised patients to be cautious when using omeprazole, a medicine widely prescribed for heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. The warning highlights the potential risks linked to extended use without medical supervision.

Omeprazole belongs to a group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce the production of stomach acid by blocking enzymes in the stomach lining. These medicines are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and Helicobacter pylori infections, often in combination with antibiotics.

According to NHS data, more than 73 mln prescriptions for PPIs were issued in England between 2022 and 2023, making them one of the most frequently used medicines. Around 15 percent of the population is estimated to take them.

While effective, health officials stress that self-medicating with omeprazole should be limited.

«Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better,» the NHS stated.