NHS lansoprazole ‘stomach pain’ warning that could be serious inflammation
Lansoprazole can cause a wide variety of side effects, some which may be considered serious
People who have been prescribed lansoprazole could be at risk of a variety of side effects, some of which may indicate a serious condition. Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), similar to omeprazole, and is often prescribed to help treat various stomach-related conditions, including heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers.
It helps reduce symptoms of these conditions by lowering the amount of acid produced in the stomach. The drug, which is only available on prescription, generally comes in the form of either capsules or tablets.
When prescribed lansoprazole, you will usually be told to take it once or twice a day and often 30 minutes before having a meal or snack in order to get the best results. How much you are prescribed will vary based on your needs and medical condition.
Side effects, including stomach pain
While lansoprazole can be an effective treatment for various stomach conditions, it also comes with a wide variety of side effects. Some of these side effects may even be serious enough that you will need to call a doctor or 111 as they could signify a more serious condition, according to NHS guidance.
Side effects of taking lansoprazole include:
- Feeling dizzy or tired
- Feeling sick
- Wind
- Diarrhoea or being sick (vomiting)
- Headaches
- Dry mouth or throat
- Itchy skin rashes
- Constipation
Stomach pain can also be a common side effect that affects more than one in 100 people taking lansoprazole. While this pain may be minor in some cases, the NHS warns that if you experience stomach pain that feels like it's getting worse, then you should call a doctor or dial 111.
It highlights that such stomach pain "can be a sign of an inflamed liver or pancreas". Furthermore, if you have severe or frequent diarrhoea while taking the PPI, it could also be a sign of an inflamed bowel.
It's important to note that these serious side effects are incredibly rare for people taking lansoprazole and tend to only affect less than one in 1,000 people. If you are concerned about taking lansoprazole or the side effects associated with it, it is generally advised that you first speak to a pharmacist or your GP for further advice.
While these side effects may be serious, they generally won't require a call to 999. However, you may need to call 999 if you experience any of the following symptoms, some of which could be a symptom of a serious allergic reaction to lansoprazole:
- Tight feeling in the throat
- Struggling to swallow
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
- Very fast breathing
- Struggling to breathe or feeling like you're gasping for air
- Sudden confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness
- Sudden swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Skin, lips, or tongue turn blue, pale, or grey
Further details around Lansoprazole's side effects, as well as ways you can deal with them, can be found on the NHS website here.