Does omeprazole cause cancer?
Long-term use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) acid-suppressing agents, such as omeprazole, has been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer (also called gastric cancer). This is based on the results of several observational studies and is thought to be because PPIs such as omeprazole are potent gastric acid suppressants that may increase the risk of gastric cancer by causing atrophy (thinning) of the stomach lining, elevating levels of a hormone called gastrin, and an overgrowth of bacteria in the stomach.
Studies conducted in 2017 and 2018 concluded that long-term use of PPIs more than doubled the risk of gastric cancer, although some other studies have contradicted these findings. A 2019 study found that even when the bacteria, helicobacter pylori, was eradicated, long-term PPIs were still associated with a two-fold increased risk for gastric cancer. However randomized clinical trials are lacking, and more trials are needed.
Short-term use of omeprazole is likely very safe, but you should talk to your doctor if you have been taking omeprazole long term or have been prescribed it long term.
References
- Can long-term use of acid reflux drugs cause cancer? JUNE 25, 2019 Cancer Center https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2019/06/long-term-use-acid-reflux-drugs-cancer#:~:text=Two%20studies%20conducted%20in%202017,pylori.
- Bateman DN, Colin-Jones D, Hartz S, et al. Mortality study of 18 000 patients treated with omeprazole. Gut 2003;52:942-946.
- 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. Published 2019 Mar 11. doi:10.1177/1756284819834511
Read next
Pantoprazole vs. omeprazole: What's the difference between them?
Pantoprazole and omeprazole are both medicines from the class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The approved uses for pantoprazole and omeprazole differ slightly, but they are all disorders related to too much stomach acid. Continue reading
Is famotidine safer than omeprazole for heartburn?
Famotidine is usually the first choice to treat occasional heartburn if your symptoms occur less than two times per week. It can be used as needed, provides quick relief (within 15 to 30 minutes), and is usually less expensive than omeprazole. Omeprazole may be an option if your heartburn occurs two or more days per week. Both products are available without a prescription. Continue reading
Can you take an antacid with omeprazole?
You can take an antacid with omeprazole if you are still getting symptoms of indigestion because it can take several days for omeprazole to start working. Take omeprazole as directed (usually taken once daily on an empty stomach), and take antacids as needed to relieve indigestion pain after eating. But tell your doctor if several weeks have gone past and omeprazole does not seem to be working or you are still taking antacids. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Omeprazole Information for Consumers
- Omeprazole prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Omeprazole (detailed)
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