Does omeprazole cause cancer?

Gastric problems such as acid-reflux, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, etc. lead to an acidic imbalance in your stomach. You may also witness semi-digested / undigested foods climbing up in your food pipe, coughing spells and difficulties while swallowing. It becomes essential to take meds to treat these conditions. If left unattended, these may turn into severe intestinal problems. Proton pump inhibitors (in short, PPIs) are widely used for this purpose. Omeprazole is a popular med is this genre. But does omeprazole cause cancer? More information on this is needed prior to commencing your treatment plan.

Onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD) is linked to having frequent episodes of heartburns or acid-reflux. You may feel a sharp pain in the chest region; in some cases, there is change in taste often accompanied by pain in throat. Meds such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, etc. are widely administered to treat such conditions.

Research done on GERD indicates malfunctioning of the lower-esophageal sphincter (LES) – a valve that acts as a barrier between the stomach and food pipe. A healthy LES shuts the upper part of your tummy and blocks undigested foods from getting into the food pipe. However – in some aged people – when LES is not closing properly, partially digested food-items may gain entry into the esophagus. This soon causes heartburn or acid reflux.

What is omeprazole?

Drugs like omeprazole are categorised under a genre known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs); these are widely administered prescribed for treating the signs of heartburn, acid reflux / GERD. Prilosec is one of the branded offerings of omeprazole; an equally popular PPI is esomeprazole (a leading brand based on this med is Nexium).

Omeprazole helps decrease quantum of acidity in your gastric system; this renders needful cure from the symptoms of acid reflux. In general, this PPI is taken to treat a swollen food pipe (owing to being exposed to stomach acids) and ulcers formed on your intestinal walls (triggered by frequent consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs).

Does omeprazole cause cancer?

Long-term intake of PPI meds/acid suppressing drugs like omeprazole is likely to enhance the risks of stomach cancers. Studies reveal that a possible thinning of inner lining of your tummy as a likely reason for these risks.

Atrophy i.e., thinning-down of intestinal lining may further boost the secretion of a hormonal substance known as gastrin; moreover, a possible increase in bacterial overgrowth inside your stomach is also quite likely – chiefly owing to one or more of the aforesaid changes in your gastric tract.

Owing to such risks, intake of omeprazole is highly recommended for a shorter span of time. But if your medical condition necessitates a long-term use of a PPI (such as omeprazole or esomeprazole), discuss with your caregiving team of the likely risks and pursue needful safety measures.

A few related inputs for added safety while taking omeprazole

It is a good thing to consult with your caregiver about which proton pump inhibitors works for you best; caveat – there are many options available in the PPI genre. Upon taking omeprazole if you noticing undesired reactions like discharge of loose stools, vomiting, headaches and nausea, it is a safe thing to seek clinical help as soon as you possibly can.

Last but not least, it is highly recommended to follow all instructions of your physician to enable safer case-management of acid reflux or GERD through use of PPI meds such as omeprazole.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.