Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Omeprazole Increases Cancer RiskShould I Stop Using Prilosec?Alternatives to PPIsHow to Prevent Heartburn
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Omeprazole Increases Cancer Risk
Should I Stop Using Prilosec?
Alternatives to PPIs
How to Prevent Heartburn
Prilosec (omeprazole) may cause cancer, with some studies finding an association between this proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and an increased risk ofgastric (stomach) cancer.
PPIs are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.The emerging evidence from a number of studies implicates these medications when used over the long term to treat digestive disorders.
This article explains research to date on the link between PPIs and cancer, as well as alternatives to treatment with omeprazole.
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PPIs like omeprazole, rabeprazole, lansoprazole, and esomeprazole are used to treathelicobacter pylori(H. pylori)infection,acid reflux, andgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
When digesting food, the stomach uses gastric acid to break food down. During this process, cells in the stomach called G cells produce a hormone called gastrin, which signals to other cells to pump acid. PPIs stop acid from being produced.
Some studies have suggested that gastric-acid suppression from PPIs leads to:
This in turn may play a role in the development of cancer in the gastrointestinal system.
A 2019 study found that even whenH. pyloriinfection was eradicated, the long-term use of PPIs was still associated with a twofold increased risk for gastric cancer.
Other Risks From PPIsProlonged use of PPIs has been linked to:ReducedB12 levelsIncreased risk of pneumoniaIncreased risk ofhip fracturesIncreased risk of dementiaIncreased risk of heart attackIncreased risk ofchronic kidney disease
Other Risks From PPIs
Prolonged use of PPIs has been linked to:ReducedB12 levelsIncreased risk of pneumoniaIncreased risk ofhip fracturesIncreased risk of dementiaIncreased risk of heart attackIncreased risk ofchronic kidney disease
Prolonged use of PPIs has been linked to:
Side Effects of PPIs
PPIs like Prilosec and Prevacid (lansoprazole) are available over the counter without a prescription. But long term use can be problematic, even at the lower doses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says over-the-counter (OTC) PPIs should only be taken for the 14-day course up to three times a year.
In some cases, other medications (like an H2 blocker) may be appropriate.However, some people may still experience difficult symptoms after coming off PPIs and may need to go back on them at a higher dosage.
Stopping PPIs Abruptly Could Cause Rebound EffectsIf you have been taking PPIs for at least a few weeks, you should not stop taking the medication suddenly. Doing so may cause a rebound effect with stomach acid.People who take PPIs should discuss treatment options or changes with their healthcare provider.
Stopping PPIs Abruptly Could Cause Rebound Effects
If you have been taking PPIs for at least a few weeks, you should not stop taking the medication suddenly. Doing so may cause a rebound effect with stomach acid.People who take PPIs should discuss treatment options or changes with their healthcare provider.
Although PPIs are commonly prescribed in the U.S., there are alternative options available. These can include lifestyle modifications, alternative therapies, and other medications.
Other Medications
There are other medications that can be used instead of PPIs in the treatment of conditions like acid reflux.
H2 blockers are medications that lower the production ofhydrochloric acidin the stomach. They are absorbed quickly and the resulting acid suppression lasts for several hours after the medications have been taken. H2 blockers can also work to counter the effect of acid on the esophagus that causes heartburn.
H2 blockers include:
Omeprazole vs. Famotidine: Which One Works Better?
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes that may help include:
Alternative Therapy
Some alternative therapies that may be helpful as an alternative for PPIs include:
Herbal remedies that may be helpful include:
Heartburn Relief: Natural Antacids, Medication, Prevention
There are a number of steps that may help you to avoid acid reflux or GERD, and that could limit the need for omeprazole and other PPI medications.
Some ways to prevent acid reflux or GERD in the first place include:
Some medicines can relax the esophageal sphincter, causing reflux. Others can irritate the esophagus. Always speak with your healthcare provider before discontinuing or changing any medications.
6 Tips to Stop Acid Reflux at Night
Summary
PPIs like omeprazole are used to treat GERD and acid reflux, but they may cause elevated gastrin levels in the stomach. This may play a role in the development of gastric cancer.
Long-term use of PPIs may cause certain health risks, but other medications and lifestyle changes may help manage these conditions. Prevention strategies like stopping smoking and changes in diet may help manage GERD to avoid the need for medication.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mishuk AU, Chen L, Gaillard P, Westrick S, Hansen RA, Qian J.National trends in prescription proton pump inhibitor use and expenditure in the United States in 2002-2017.J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020 Oct 22:S1544-3191(20)3047Waldum HL, Fossmark R.Types of Gastric Carcinomas.Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Dec 18;19(12):4109. doi:10.3390/ijms19124109.Cheung KS, Leung WK.Long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors and risk of gastric cancer: a review of the current evidence.Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2019;12:1756284819834511. doi:10.1177/1756284819834511Harvard Medical School.Should you keep taking that heartburn medication?U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Low magnesium levels can be associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitor drugs (PPIs).International Foundation For Gastrointestinal Disorders.H2 blockers.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Antacids.Michigan Health.What to do if PPIs aren’t stopping your reflux symptoms.Rabitti S, Giovanardi CM, Colussi D.Acupuncture and Related Therapies for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021 Mar 1;55(3):207-217. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001455.Riehl ME, Keefer L.Hypnotherapy for esophageal disorders.Am J Clin Hypn. 2015;58(1):22-33. doi:10.1080/00029157.2015.1025355Harvard Medical School.Herbal remedies for heartburn.Harvard Medical School.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mishuk AU, Chen L, Gaillard P, Westrick S, Hansen RA, Qian J.National trends in prescription proton pump inhibitor use and expenditure in the United States in 2002-2017.J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020 Oct 22:S1544-3191(20)3047Waldum HL, Fossmark R.Types of Gastric Carcinomas.Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Dec 18;19(12):4109. doi:10.3390/ijms19124109.Cheung KS, Leung WK.Long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors and risk of gastric cancer: a review of the current evidence.Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2019;12:1756284819834511. doi:10.1177/1756284819834511Harvard Medical School.Should you keep taking that heartburn medication?U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Low magnesium levels can be associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitor drugs (PPIs).International Foundation For Gastrointestinal Disorders.H2 blockers.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Antacids.Michigan Health.What to do if PPIs aren’t stopping your reflux symptoms.Rabitti S, Giovanardi CM, Colussi D.Acupuncture and Related Therapies for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021 Mar 1;55(3):207-217. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001455.Riehl ME, Keefer L.Hypnotherapy for esophageal disorders.Am J Clin Hypn. 2015;58(1):22-33. doi:10.1080/00029157.2015.1025355Harvard Medical School.Herbal remedies for heartburn.Harvard Medical School.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mishuk AU, Chen L, Gaillard P, Westrick S, Hansen RA, Qian J.National trends in prescription proton pump inhibitor use and expenditure in the United States in 2002-2017.J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020 Oct 22:S1544-3191(20)3047Waldum HL, Fossmark R.Types of Gastric Carcinomas.Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Dec 18;19(12):4109. doi:10.3390/ijms19124109.Cheung KS, Leung WK.Long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors and risk of gastric cancer: a review of the current evidence.Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2019;12:1756284819834511. doi:10.1177/1756284819834511Harvard Medical School.Should you keep taking that heartburn medication?U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Low magnesium levels can be associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitor drugs (PPIs).International Foundation For Gastrointestinal Disorders.H2 blockers.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Antacids.Michigan Health.What to do if PPIs aren’t stopping your reflux symptoms.Rabitti S, Giovanardi CM, Colussi D.Acupuncture and Related Therapies for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021 Mar 1;55(3):207-217. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001455.Riehl ME, Keefer L.Hypnotherapy for esophageal disorders.Am J Clin Hypn. 2015;58(1):22-33. doi:10.1080/00029157.2015.1025355Harvard Medical School.Herbal remedies for heartburn.Harvard Medical School.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.
Mishuk AU, Chen L, Gaillard P, Westrick S, Hansen RA, Qian J.National trends in prescription proton pump inhibitor use and expenditure in the United States in 2002-2017.J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020 Oct 22:S1544-3191(20)3047
Waldum HL, Fossmark R.Types of Gastric Carcinomas.Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Dec 18;19(12):4109. doi:10.3390/ijms19124109.
Cheung KS, Leung WK.Long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors and risk of gastric cancer: a review of the current evidence.Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2019;12:1756284819834511. doi:10.1177/1756284819834511
Harvard Medical School.Should you keep taking that heartburn medication?
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Low magnesium levels can be associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitor drugs (PPIs).
International Foundation For Gastrointestinal Disorders.H2 blockers.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Antacids.
Michigan Health.What to do if PPIs aren’t stopping your reflux symptoms.
Rabitti S, Giovanardi CM, Colussi D.Acupuncture and Related Therapies for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021 Mar 1;55(3):207-217. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001455.
Riehl ME, Keefer L.Hypnotherapy for esophageal disorders.Am J Clin Hypn. 2015;58(1):22-33. doi:10.1080/00029157.2015.1025355
Harvard Medical School.Herbal remedies for heartburn.
Harvard Medical School.9 at-home treatments for acid reflux.
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