The warning is for people who have been taking the drug for extended periods of time
The warning will affect many, as Lansoprazole is a commonly-prescribed drug(Image: PA)
The NHS has issued urgent guidance on its website for individuals prescribed lansoprazole, particularly those who have been taking it for three months or longer. Lansoprazole is a commonly prescribed medication in the UK and is one of the most frequently dispensed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) by the NHS.
As a type of PPI, lansoprazole reduces the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It is used to treat and prevent various acid-related conditions.
Lansoprazole is mainly used to treat the following conditions:
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- NSAID-associated ulcers
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
There are four other medicines similar to lansoprazole, including omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. Like lansoprazole, these medicines are proton pump inhibitors, as reported by the Mirror.
They all work to reduce stomach acid in the same way that lansoprazole does. Typically, these medications are just as effective and have similar side effects to lansoprazole.
The duration of lansoprazole use depends on the condition being treated. In general, it should be taken for the shortest time possible and at the lowest effective dose to minimise the risk of long-term side effects. The NHS advises that taking lansoprazole for more than three months may lead to a decrease in your blood magnesium levels, which is where the warnings come in.
Magnesium is essential for over 300 functions in the body, including support for nerves, muscles (including the heart), and bones. It also plays a role in energy levels, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure management. Insufficient magnesium can result in issues such as muscle cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, and long-term problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.
Using lansoprazole for more than 12 months may increase your risk of experiencing certain side effects, such as bone fractures, gut infections, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include extreme fatigue, a painful and red tongue, mouth ulcers, and a sensation of pins and needles.
The NHS website states that the medical organisation will support you if you take lansoprazole for longer than one year, explaining that “your doctor will regularly check your health to see if you should carry on taking it.”
Anyone taking the medication should tell their doctor about all other medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements they are currently taking, as they can interact with certain drugs like warfarin, digoxin, and some HIV medicines. Antacids (like Gaviscon) should also not be taken within two hours of lansoprazole and never with St John’s wort (a herbal remedy).
In addition to the described side effects, the NHS suggests there is some evidence that individuals taking medicines that reduce stomach acid, like PPIs, might have a very small increased risk of developing stomach cancer. It may be more likely in people who take them for longer than three years.
However, more extensive studies need to be conducted to confirm whether PPIs and H2 blockers cause stomach cancer, rather than another factor causing it. It’s important to consult your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms, which could be signs of stomach cancer, including difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), feeling or being sick, feeling full very quickly when eating and losing weight without trying to. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
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