Omeprazole Magnesium: 5 Dangers of Long-Term Use

Omeprazole magnesium is found in many over-the-counter medicines to treat acid reflux, heartburn, and ulcers. However, researchers are finding a variety of dangers associated with the long-term use of products containing omeprazole magnesium.

Omeprazole is part of the drug class of PPIs, or proton-pump inhibitors. Some popular PPIs on the market today are Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid.

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Here are five potential dangers associated with long-term use of omeprazole magnesium:

1. Osteoporosis
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that people taking omeprazole for more than a year are at risk of osteoporosis. Researchers have found that long-term PPI use leads to calcium depletion, which can lead to broken bones.

2. Anemia
In its effort to treat heartburn, omeprazole decreases stomach acid, which can affect the amount of iron and other nutrients being absorbed in the body, Livestrong reports. Iron helps form hemoglobin, which is responsible for red cell production in the blood.

3. Clostridium difficile
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacteria that inflames the colon and is capable of causing life-threatening diarrhea. When the stomach is less acidic due to long-term use of omeprazole magnesium, this bad bacteria has the potential grow and infect the stomach, says Harvard Health Publications.

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4. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Registered dietitian Tamara Duker Freuman writes for U.S. News & World Report that overuse of omeprazole magnesium could cause small intestine bacterial overgrowth. This condition occurs when too many bacteria spread to the small intestine instead of staying in the colon.

5) Vitamin B12 deficiency
Research has shown a possible link between omeprazole magnesium and a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause a variety of negative effects including soreness and tingling in hands and feet. Dr. Douglas Corley, a gastroenterologist, told Reuters in 2013 it is important to monitor the levels of B12, especially since many doctors are prescribing PPIs that include omeprazole magnesium.

Talk to your doctor about your medications if you have concerns about taking omeprazole magnesium.

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