What is known about the dr amir khan omeprazole warning is based on renewed medical attention to the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, one of the most frequently prescribed groups of medicines in the UK. Dr Amir Khan has urged people taking omeprazole to review both dosage and duration of treatment, warning that prolonged use may reduce the body’s ability to absorb key nutrients, including vitamin B12, magnesium and calcium. He emphasised that patients should not stop the medication suddenly and should always seek advice from a GP or pharmacist before making changes. Reports The WP Times, citing British media.
Omeprazole is widely used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and related digestive conditions, and for many patients it provides effective and necessary symptom relief. However, medical experts have increasingly highlighted that long-term use, particularly without regular review, may carry risks that are not always well understood by the public. Dr Khan’s warning reflects existing clinical knowledge rather than a new discovery, but it has brought the issue back into public focus at a time when long-term prescriptions are increasingly common.
Why omeprazole is prescribed so frequently
Omeprazole belongs to a class of medicines known as proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs. These drugs work by reducing the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of the oesophagus and stomach when present in excess. By lowering acid levels, omeprazole helps relieve symptoms and allows damaged tissue to heal.
In the UK, the drug is commonly prescribed for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and as a preventative treatment for patients who take medications that increase the risk of gastric irritation. Lower-dose versions are also available over the counter, making omeprazole one of the most widely used digestive medicines in everyday life. Clinical guidance generally recommends using PPIs for a defined period, often between four and eight weeks. In practice, however, many patients remain on the medication for much longer, either because symptoms return when treatment is stopped or because repeat prescriptions continue without a full reassessment.
What Dr Amir Khan is warning about
Dr Khan’s warning does not suggest that omeprazole is unsafe or that patients should stop taking it. Instead, it focuses on the effects of long-term acid suppression on nutrient absorption. Stomach acid plays an important role in releasing certain vitamins and minerals from food so that they can be absorbed in the gut. When acid levels are reduced over long periods, this process can become less efficient.
According to Dr Khan, prolonged use of omeprazole may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, magnesium and calcium. Deficiencies in these nutrients can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious, which is why regular review and monitoring are important for patients on long-term treatment.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and fatigue
Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production and normal nerve function. Low levels can lead to tiredness, weakness and difficulties with concentration. In more severe cases, neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet may occur. Long-term use of PPIs has been recognised as a risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency because reduced stomach acid can limit the release of the vitamin from food. Dr Khan has advised that patients who have been taking omeprazole for extended periods and who experience persistent fatigue or unexplained symptoms should consider having their levels checked through routine blood tests.
Magnesium, calcium and bone health
Magnesium plays a key role in muscle function, nerve signalling and heart rhythm. Low magnesium levels, although relatively uncommon, have been reported in patients using PPIs long term. Symptoms may include muscle cramps, palpitations and general weakness. Calcium absorption may also be affected indirectly by reduced stomach acid. Over time, this has raised concerns about bone health, particularly in older adults. Some studies have found an association between long-term PPI use and a slightly increased risk of fractures, although experts stress that this does not necessarily indicate a direct causal link. Nonetheless, it has reinforced the importance of reviewing prolonged therapy.
Not everyone taking omeprazole will develop nutrient deficiencies. The risk appears to be higher in people who have been on the medication continuously for many months or years, particularly at higher doses. Older adults, individuals with restricted diets and those with existing digestive or absorption disorders may also be more vulnerable. Dr Khan has highlighted that symptoms of deficiency can be subtle and easily overlooked. Fatigue, muscle weakness or mild neurological symptoms may be attributed to stress or ageing, delaying investigation and treatment.
Why stopping suddenly is not advised
A key part of Dr Khan’s message is the warning against stopping omeprazole abruptly without medical advice. Sudden discontinuation can lead to rebound acid hypersecretion, where the stomach temporarily produces more acid than before. This can cause a sharp return of symptoms and may make patients believe they cannot manage without the medication.
Healthcare professionals may instead recommend a gradual reduction in dose, intermittent use or alternative treatments depending on the individual case. Lifestyle measures such as dietary adjustments, weight management and changes to meal timing may also help reduce symptoms.
The wider medical debate
Concerns about the long-term use of PPIs have been discussed in medical literature for many years. Researchers have explored potential links between prolonged acid suppression and a range of outcomes, including infections, kidney problems and nutrient deficiencies. While many of these associations remain complex and do not prove direct causation, they have contributed to guidance encouraging careful prescribing and regular review.
Most experts agree that PPIs should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary. For some patients, long-term treatment is clinically justified and the benefits outweigh the risks. In these cases, monitoring and informed decision-making are key.
What patients are advised to do
For people currently taking omeprazole, Dr Khan’s advice is pragmatic. Patients are encouraged to review how long they have been on the medication, the dose they are taking and the original reason it was prescribed. A discussion with a GP or pharmacist can help determine whether continued treatment is necessary or whether adjustments should be considered. Where long-term use continues, blood tests to assess vitamin B12, magnesium and, in some cases, calcium levels may be appropriate, particularly if symptoms develop. Supplementation or dietary advice may be recommended if deficiencies are identified.
The availability of omeprazole without prescription has increased access for people with occasional heartburn, but it has also raised concerns about unsupervised long-term use. Regular reliance on over-the-counter PPIs may delay investigation of persistent symptoms that could indicate underlying conditions. Dr Khan has urged people who take omeprazole frequently without prescription to seek professional advice, especially if symptoms persist beyond a few weeks or worsen over time.
Dr Khan’s warning is best understood as a call for awareness rather than alarm. Omeprazole remains an effective and important medication for many patients, and for some, long-term use is necessary and appropriate. The emphasis is on understanding why the drug is being taken, reviewing treatment regularly and ensuring that potential side effects are monitored. What is known about the dr amir khan omeprazole warning is therefore clear: long-term use may carry risks that require attention, patients should not make changes without medical advice, and regular review helps ensure that treatment remains both safe and effective.
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