OMEPRAZOLE DOSE & LENGTH

If one is taking OMEPRAZOLE for GASTRITIS and are told to take the amount of dose they feel comfortable with (sometimes it helps and other times not - from 40 -80 mg), just how long -WEEKS - MONTHS  - YEARS can this drug be taken safely - and what are any consequences for taking it, for example, for over 8 WEEKS, if any???

[gnorb]

Most doctors will tell you that these drugs are safe and well tolerated by people for long term use. However, after a few years of use (3) it is recommended to start looking for stomach polyps (via EGD) because this is a possible, although uncommon, side effect. Additionally,people who've been using the drug for over 10 years will have higher incidences of things like pneumonia and other illnesses: acid is actually used by the system to fight infection.

Now, I say "most doctors" because opinions differ greatly here. Some will argue that these drugs should never be taken, while others say that these should indeed only be used for short term use.

For most people, the drugs are fairly safe short term (months). If you have gastritis, you can also use DGL and Aloe Vera in order to help soothe the stomach lining. Of course, it's best not to stay on any drug longer than you have to.

Good luck.