The NHS has guidance for those taking Omeprazole, which is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, without a prescription.
Omeprazole capsules (Image: Getty)
The NHS has important advice about those taking a well-known medication without a prescription. Omeprazole is one of the most commonly prescribed tablets in the UK and can be used to treat several medical conditions.
Latest figures show 73 million NHS prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), like Omeprazole, were dispensed in England between 2022-23. PPIs help issues such as acid reflux and heartburn as they decrease stomach acid production. The medicine works by stopping the proton pumps, enzymes located in the stomach wall that produce acid. Other medical conditions treated by PPIs include indigestion, healing of stomach ulcers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Omeprazole reduces stomach acid (Image: Getty)
The NHS describes omeprazole as a “medicine that reduces the amount of acid in your stomach”.
It states some types can be bought from pharmacies or shops, however “most types are only available with a prescription”.
On its website, the NHS has guidance for those taking the medication without a prescription.
It states: “Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better.”
The NHS page was last reviewed on September 17 2025 and is expected to be reviewed again in three years time.
There are potential risks with long-term use of PPI medicines, the Mirror reports.
An increased chance of bacterial infection known as Clostridioides difficile is one risk linked to long-term PPI use.
This can lead to an intestinal infection, causing diarrhoea and additional symptoms such as abdominal pain and fever.
The NHS says omeprazole can cause side effects but not everyone gets them.
Commons side effects can include a headache, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.
There can also be serious side effects but most of them are rare, according to the NHS.
This can include weakened bones and a very low level of vitamin B12.
The chance of getting serious side effects can be higher if you take omeprazole for a year more, the NHS website says.
