Key Highlights
- The NHS has issued a warning for those taking lansoprazole for three months or longer.
- Lansoprazole is a commonly prescribed proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid.
- Taking the medication long-term can lead to potential side effects, including low magnesium levels and vitamin B12 deficiency.
- The NHS recommends regular check-ups for those on lansoprazole longer than three months.
Understanding Lansoprazole: A Common Proton Pump Inhibitor
Lansoprazole is a widely prescribed medication used to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. It’s one of the most frequently used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) by the NHS and accounts for a significant portion of all prescriptions dispensed in England. This drug is particularly effective in treating conditions such as indigestion, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and duodenal ulcers, NSAID-associated ulcers, Helicobacter pylori infections, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Just like lansoprazole, there are four other medicines that belong to the same class: omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. These PPIs work in a similar way to reduce stomach acid levels.
Risks and Side Effects of Long-Term Use
While lansoprazole is effective for many patients, long-term use can come with some risks. The NHS advises that those taking the medication for more than three months should be aware of potential side effects, including a decrease in magnesium levels.
Low magnesium levels can manifest as fatigue, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitches, shakiness, and an irregular heartbeat. Magnesium is crucial for over 300 bodily functions, impacting nerves, muscles (including the heart), bones, energy levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
In addition to low magnesium, long-term use of lansoprazole can increase the risk of bone fractures, gut infections, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of a B12 deficiency include feeling very tired, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, and pins and needles.
Regular Check-Ups and Alternative Treatments
The NHS recommends that individuals taking lansoprazole for longer than one year should have regular check-ups with their doctor to monitor their health. If the medication is not working as effectively, your doctor might suggest switching to another proton pump inhibitor.
It’s also important to inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking, as lansoprazole can interact with certain drugs like warfarin, digoxin, and some HIV medicines.
Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments
For those experiencing symptoms despite medication, the NHS suggests making lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet is crucial. Avoid foods that exacerbate your symptoms, such as rich, spicy, fatty foods, acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, salad dressings, and fizzy drinks.
Reduce intake of caffeinated drinks, cut down on alcohol, quit smoking if possible, and avoid eating at least three hours before bed to prevent stomach acid from rising. Elevating your head and shoulders when sleeping can also help.
Further Considerations
While the NHS acknowledges that there is some information suggesting a very small increased risk of developing stomach cancer with prolonged use of medicines like PPIs, more studies are needed to confirm this link.
The best approach is to take lansoprazole for the shortest time possible and speak to your doctor if you experience any symptoms that could be related to stomach cancer, such as difficulty swallowing, feeling or being sick, feeling full quickly when eating, and unexplained weight loss.
By adhering to these guidelines and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can manage the use of lansoprazole effectively while minimizing potential side effects.
