Believed to be taken by tens of millions of Brits daily, omeprazole is one of the most prescribed drugs in the country.
However a recent study has discovered that PPI drugs, which also include esomeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole, may leave people at a higher risk of developing a certain health complication.
According to results from a study, researchers have identified a possible association between taking PPI drugs and developing migraines or severe headaches.
Published last year in Neurology Clinical Practice, which is an official publication linked with the American Academy of Neurology, the study also identified histamine H2-receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers, such as cimetidine and famotidine, and antacid supplements as having similar side effects.
The results of the study revealed that 25 per cent of participants who were taking the above medications experienced a migraine or severe headache, compared to 19 per cent of participants who were not.
When researchers factored in other possible causes of headaches – such as age, sex and consumption of caffeine or alcohol – these figures returned a 70 per cent higher chance of patients on PPIs developing the complication.
“Given the wide usage of acid-reducing drugs and these potential implications with migraine, these results warrant further investigation,” study author Margaret Slavin, from the University of Maryland, said of the results.
“These drugs are often considered to be overprescribed, and new research has shown other risks tied to long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, such as an increased risk of dementia.”
However, it is important to note that the study has not confirmed a direct link between the drug family and migraines, only an association.
“It’s important to note that many people do need acid-reducing medications to manage acid reflux or other conditions, and people with migraine or severe headache who are taking these drugs or supplements should talk with their doctors about whether they should continue,” Slavin added.
The medication family has been in the news again in recent weeks, as NHS doctors issue a warning to anyone taking the medication for longer than two weeks, amid concerns about side effects.
However, if you’re currently taking omeprazole prescribed by a doctor, it is important to first speak to them before stopping.