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Prilosec Side Effects

Prilosec (Omeprazole) is a drug in the proton pump inhibitor family, which are used to reduce excessive stomach acid. It is used to treat conditions such as stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It was first introduced in 1989 and it is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. It is now available in over-the-counter in United States pharmacies and it is well tolerated in most cases.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • The most common side effects of Prilosec are headaches, stomach pain and diarrhea.

    Other Common Side Effects

    • People taking Prilosec have also become more susceptible to colds, experience dizziness and constipation and have complained of pain the lower back.

    Serious Side Effects

    • While not common, some Prilosec users have become depressed, experienced inflammation of the pancreas and had allergic reactions, such as hives and swelling.

    Rare Side Effects

    • While there are many rare side effects such as loss of appetite, joint pain and dry skin, less than 1 percent of those taking Prilosec have experienced such issues.

    Long-Term Side Effects

    • Though animal studies have shown an increase in plasma gastrin levels which can lead to cancer, clinical studies on the long-term effects on humans have not demonstrated any connection between Prilosec and cancer.

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