Overview
- Recent coverage reiterates official advice to call NHS 111 or seek an urgent GP appointment if serious reactions are suspected while taking omeprazole.
- Omeprazole is a widely used proton pump inhibitor for heartburn, stomach ulcers and gastro‑oesophageal reflux, working by reducing stomach acid.
- Common side effects can include flatulence, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, constipation and diarrhoea.
- Rarer, serious reactions listed by the NHS include a lupus‑like illness, weakened bones, low vitamin B12 and very rare anaphylaxis, with some risks more likely after a year of continuous use.
- Over‑the‑counter courses should not exceed about two weeks without medical review, and patients are urged to read the leaflet and consult the NHS website for full guidance.