Is it safe to take omaprazole for a long time?

[carlino61]

Is it safe to take omaprazole for a long time?  I've been taking it for 3 1/2 years and my husband has been taking it for 5 years.

[FurballsMom]

Yes, and it doesn't matter which PPI medication it is.  Long term use is a bad idea.  I know someone who warned me of this because she was using the same as what I was and as extensively as I was.  Long term use of the medication damaged her intestines, including the small one.  The linings were damaged.  Now she has to take extra precautions with every little thing she puts into her body, all the more so than she ever did in the past.  She also has to have vitamin and mineral injections on a regular basis.  Damaging the lining of the intestines will wreak havoc on the whole body, because malabsorption is an even bigger problem than what you want.

Selma already mentioned the malabsorption.  Absolutely.  My friend's malabsorption problems were compounded all the more so with the damage to the intestines.

For me, figuring out my food sensitivities has helped me much more than PPI medications.  And, taking antihistamines for any minor burning that might still break through because of the food sensitivities actually makes it possible for me to not take the PPI I'm prescribed for the majority of the time.  Short term use is alright, but long term use is a terrible idea.

Plus, think about what kind of damage is done to the whole body when we ingest the foods we know we're sensitive to.  So many of these food sensitivities that don't test positive for true allergies at your allergist's office could be called hidden food allergies.  They're like a food allergy in some ways, but the body's reaction is far less extreme than with something that causes a true food allergy like swelling, anaphylaxis, systemic itching and/or rashes.  But, they should not be ignored either, because sometimes food sensitivities can change in nature to full blown allergies.  And, the full blown allergies are the dangerous kind of reaction.

The other benefit of avoiding sensitivities is weight loss.  So, definitely a win-win situation.

[Flycaster305]

Great advice from Selma.  I took it  for at least ten years, maybe longer, and have my blood tested every three months because of unconnected heart issues, and my vitamin and calcium levels have always been fine.  I had surgery to correct my acid problem so longer have to take antacid products, but quit taking it just prior to the surgery because Omaprozole reduces the effects of Plavix, a blood thinner I have to take because of my heart problems.  
I always mention that for a long time I took omaprazole incorrectly for a number of years, and remind you and your husband to take it 1/2 hour to one hour before your big meal of the day, or the meal you need to control your acid that day.  If you take it, for example, at bedtime, you just are making expensive urine, it does absolutely no good at all.

[selmaS]

  Hi...taking these meds can affect absorption of vitamins and minerals...including calcium.It is the calcium mal absorption that is of concern......do keep up to date with all blood tests ur PCP or GI dr orders to keep track and take supplements as advised.

  "selma"