Q: How is Omeprazole different to other treatments for GORD?
There are other treatments for GORD or for reducing stomach acid, but not all of them are available as a liquid. So, Omeprazole might be a good choice if you find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.
Omeprazole is a generic medication, so it's typically more affordable than branded options.
Q: Is Omeprazole similar to any other heartburn medication?
Acid reflux is usually treated with proton pump inhibitors, which help by reducing the acid your stomach makes. These medications can have different active ingredients, so if one doesn't seem to help, you can try another.
Losec is a brand name for Omeprazole capsules or tablets, which are used for heartburn. It has the same active ingredient as Omeprazole, but it typically costs more. Both should work similarly and are used to treat the same conditions.
Q: How effective is Omeprazole?
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Omeprazole can quickly and consistently reduce heartburn symptoms. It also effectively treats other symptoms of GORD, such as stomach pain from excess acid.
Patients who took a daily dose of Omeprazole experienced no heartburn symptoms in:
Another study
revealed that 86% of patients with severe swelling of the food pipe (oesophagitis) healed within 12 weeks after taking 40mg Omeprazole.
Q: Do I need a prescription for Omeprazole?
You can take low doses of Omeprazole for a short time without a prescription. However, if you need a higher dose or plan to use it for a longer period, you'll require a prescription. This ensures the treatment is suitable for you.
Q: What are the side effects of Omeprazole?
The most frequent side effects of Omeprazole, occurring in more than 1 in 100 people, include:
Serious side effects from Omeprazole are uncommon, but it's important to be aware of them. If you experience any of the following, contact a doctor straight away:
On rare occasions, some individuals may have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after taking Omeprazole. If you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction, like sudden swelling of your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, or if you find it difficult to swallow or breathe, call 999 immediately.
To see all the possible side effects, have a look at the patient information leaflet included with your medication.
Q: Can Omeprazole cause long-term side effects?
If you use Omeprazole for more than three months, it might lead to a drop in the magnesium levels in your blood. This can result in symptoms such as:
If you experience any of these symptoms, please inform your clinician.
Using Omeprazole for a year or longer may raise your risk of gut infections, vitamin B12 deficiency, and bone fractures. If you're on Omeprazole for an extended period, your clinician will schedule regular check-ups to keep an eye on your health and determine if you still need the medication.
Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Omeprazole?
You can, but it's best to steer clear if you can. This is because alcohol raises acid levels in your stomach, which might make your symptoms worse.
Q: Can you take Omeprazole while pregnant?
Omeprazole is safe to use during pregnancy, but it's better to manage your symptoms without medication if you can. For instance, if you're dealing with indigestion, try having smaller, more frequent meals and steer clear of fatty or spicy foods. It's also wise to avoid eating while lying down.
Q: Can I take Omeprazole with other medications I’m using?
It's not safe to use Omeprazole with some HIV medicines, such as nelfinavir or rilpivirine. Similarly, you should avoid taking it if you're on an antiplatelet medication called clopidogrel. If you have any questions or worries, have a chat with your clinician.
