In the start of 2026, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has told people to be careful about how long they take certain stomach medicines for heartburn and acid reflux. The NHS says these drugs including omeprazole and lansoprazole should usually be taken for no longer than eight weeks unless a doctor says otherwise.
Omeparazole and lansoprazole belong to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). These drugs work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes, and they are often prescribed to help with heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. Many people take these medicines because they make symptoms feel better quickly.
The NHS warning is meant to remind people that using these drugs for too long could lead to health risks. The health service says that PPIs are usually meant to be taken for four to eight weeks or only as long as needed to treat symptoms. Patients should talk with their doctor about how long they should stay on the medicine.
Taking PPIs for a long time may cause side effects that do not happen quickly. Studies of these drugs show that long-term use may increase the chance of:
· Infections in the gut and tummy, including bacteria that can cause serious diarrhea.
· Lung infections, such as pneumonia.
· Lower levels of important nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and vitamin B12.
· A higher risk of bone fractures after long use.
Because of these possible risks, the NHS says people should take the lowest dose that works and only take the medicine for the shortest time needed. If symptoms continue or get worse, patients should visit to their doctor instead of taking the drug for longer on their own.
Many people use PPIs without a prescription and buy omeprazole from pharmacies. The NHS notes that even when these drugs can be bought without a prescription, they should not be taken for more than two weeks without medical advice.
Experts say people sometimes keep taking these medicines because they think it’s safe to use them for a long time. But the NHS warning shows clearly that long periods of use may not be safe for everyone. Listening to a doctor’s guidance is important to avoid problems in the future.
NHS message is: if you take heartburn medicines like omeprazole or lansoprazole, make consult with a doctor and do not use them for longer than needed. Most people only need them for a few weeks, and using them too long could cause health issues.