New findings show that taking stomach-ulcer medications such as omeprazole for long periods without medical supervision may lead to several health complications – even though these drugs were originally designed for short-term use only.
Omeprazole, which has been on the market for more than 30 years, is commonly used to treat heartburn and stomach pain caused by excess acid. In Brazil alone, more than 64.9 million omeprazole pills were consumed in 2022, according to the National Health Surveillance Agency.
A Short-Term Medication — Experts Caution
Health specialists stress that these acid-reducing medicines are intended to be used for four to eight weeks, not for months or years. However, many people now take them daily to relieve discomfort, a practice doctors warn could pose long-term risks.
Medical expert Moraes Filho explained that while omeprazole reduces acid levels and eases pain, it does not treat the root cause of the condition. Without lifestyle changes, symptoms can easily return once the medication is stopped.
Possible Long-Term Dangers Linked to Overuse
Scientific studies have suggested potential risks associated with frequent or prolonged use of the drug:
Up to 45% increased risk of stomach cancer
Difficulty absorbing key nutrients, especially vitamin B12
Increased concerns about memory problems and cognitive decline, particularly in older adults
Experts emphasize that more research is still needed to fully confirm these links.
Doctors Urge Caution With Unsupervised Use
Although omeprazole and similar drugs are easily available, health professionals warn that:
they should not be taken without a doctor’s advice,
dosage instructions in the drug leaflet should be followed,
and the medicines should be used only to relieve short-term symptoms, not as a long-term solution.
Pharmaceutical companies also note that every medication requires proper instructions and medical oversight, stressing that misuse may lead to unintended side effects.
Sunday Buna Ibrahim is a seasoned journalist with Daily Frontier (dailyfrontier.com.ng), where he reports on security, conflicts, and humanitarian issues across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly Plateau and Benue States. He also serves as a News Producer at Vision FM Radio in Abuja. Prior to joining Daily Frontier, he worked with Radio Nigeria, Fombina FM Yola in Adamawa State between 2019 and 2020.
