Surgeon's 'making it worse' warning for people taking omeprazole or lansoprazole

A surgeon has issued a warning for anyone taking common heartburn medicines like omeprazole. General surgeon Dr Ali Cadili says you could be making yourself ill.

An estimated 15% of the UK population - approximately 1 in 7 people - take omeprazole or similar stomach acid-reducing medications. The drugs, known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), are among the most frequently dispensed medicines in the country.

The NHS dispenses over 73 million prescriptions for PPIs annually in England alone, with omeprazole being the most common. Omeprazole and other PPIs (such as lansoprazole and esomeprazole) work by blocking the proton pumps in the stomach lining that produce acid. PPIs are used in the treatment of upper gastrointestinal disorders characterised by excessive acid production.

As well as being prescribed, lower-strength versions are available to purchase over the counter at UK pharmacies and supermarkets.

Dr Cadili said: "Heartburn meds can work extremely well, but the way many people self-treat can keep the stomach and oesophagus irritated and can trigger rebound symptoms that feel like the reflux is getting worse. The bigger problem is that this DIY cycle can also delay the right diagnosis, because you’re constantly turning down the acid instead of asking why you still need it. Most cases are straightforward reflux, but persistent or changing symptoms should always be taken seriously rather than simply masked."

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole and pantoprazole do not work like instant relief medicines. They need to be in your system before your stomach starts producing acid after eating. A common mistake is taking them only when symptoms appear, at random times of day, or after heartburn has already started.

At that point, the medicine is too late to properly prevent acid production, so symptoms can break through anyway. In real life, this often happens when routines are inconsistent - skipping breakfast, taking the pill after coffee, or only using it when discomfort shows up. That leads people to think the medication isn’t working, when the real issue is timing, not effectiveness.

Dr Cadili said: " Take PPIs consistently every day as directed, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast on an empty stomach. This gives the medication time to switch off acid production before food triggers it."

Antacids work quickly, which makes them easy to overuse. People often turn them into a daily routine - keeping them at work, in the car, or by the bed and taking them whenever symptoms return. While they can temporarily calm heartburn, they don’t treat the underlying cause. The problem is that this pattern can hide worsening reflux.

Instead of addressing why symptoms are happening more often, people keep layering quick fixes. Over time, it can make frequent reflux feel normal when it is not, and that can stop people from getting the right help.

Dr Cadili said: " Use antacids only for short-term, occasional relief.