Omeprazole, commonly known and marketed as Prilosec, is a medication that is used to decrease acid production in the stomach. Prilosec is used to treat stomach disorders such as gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (in which stomach acid washes backward into the esophagus), and dyspepsia (disorder that causes belching, heartburn and indigestion). Omeprazole is available over the counter or by a prescription from a physician. As with any medication, omeprazole causes some minor side effects such as diarrhea, headache and nausea. However, this medication may lead to some serious side effects for which a physician should be immediately consulted.
Allergic Reactions
Omeprazole can cause severe allergic reactions in some patients. Individuals may experience skin conditions such as rash, hives, redness and itching. Some people may experience swelling around the mouth, lips, face and tongue. Tightness in the chest and hoarseness in the throat can also occur if an individual has an allergy to omeprazole. If any of these symptoms occur, consult a physician immediately.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a relatively common side effect with some medications, such as steroids. However, weight gain is an abnormal effect of omeprazole and occurs in only about 1 percent of patients who take the medication. If unusual or sudden weight gain occurs, consult a physician immediately.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Omeprazole can commonly cause minor gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, but it can also cause some severe side effects to the gastrointestinal tract. Some of these unfortunate effects include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which in some people can be fatal, and stomatitis (inflammation of the stomach). Gastric polyps are rare; they are usually benign and go away when the drug is stopped.
Liver Problems
Omeprazole can cause some very serious, even fatal conditions associated with the liver. Patients who regularly take omeprazole can experience liver failure, which can be fatal. Liver necrosis, which is essentially death of the liver, is another potentially fatal condition that may occur. In addition, patients may experience jaundice (yellow skin color) and elevated liver function tests while taking this medication.
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