A family doctor is sounding the alarm about one of Britain's most commonly prescribed medications, warning that millions could be harming their health without realising it.

Omeprazole, the acid reflux drug taken by countless people across the UK, might be doing more damage than good when used incorrectly, according to Dr Ana Pérez Ballesta.

The medication belongs to a group called proton pump inhibitors, which includes similar drugs like esomeprazole and lansoprazole.

While these medicines work brilliantly for treating genuine stomach problems, Dr Ballesta warned that too many people are popping them like sweets without proper medical guidance.

The drug is designed to treat reflux, oesophagitis and stomach ulcers

"If you take it unnecessarily, it can hinder the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12," she cautioned.

The numbers are staggering - in 2022-23 alone, doctors in England wrote 73 million prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors, with omeprazole topping the list.

But many people have started using these pills as a sort of safety net before big nights out or heavy meals.

Dr Ballesta, who holds a master's degree in Emergency Medicine, says she's noticed patients treating omeprazole like a "stomach protector" - taking it before drinking alcohol or eating rich foods.

The problem is, this isn't what the medication was designed for.

It's meant to treat specific conditions like reflux, oesophagitis, stomach ulcers, or to help eliminate Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Using it as a preventative measure without a proper medical reason has become worryingly common, even though doctors say there's no such thing as a true "stomach protector." The health consequences of taking omeprazole without a proper need can be severe.

Dr Ballesta warns that years of unnecessary use can block your body's ability to absorb vital nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamin B12.

This can lead to brittle bones, various types of anaemia, and a higher chance of catching nasty digestive infections.

She's also concerned about links to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, known as SIBO. While these pills are generally safe for short-term use, the risks pile up over time - especially for older people.

There's even evidence suggesting long-term users face a greater risk of serious bacterial infections like C. diff, which causes severe diarrhoea.

It's worth noting that stopping suddenly can trigger a temporary surge in acid production, making symptoms worse than before.

Dr Ballesta has encountered troubling cases in her own practice that highlight just how widespread this problem has become.

"In my practice, I have seen many people who have been taking it for 10 or 15 years without really knowing why," she revealed.

Some of these patients were already dealing with osteoporosis, while others had anaemia that wouldn't respond to standard treatments.

She's also seen people with unexplained digestive issues that might be linked to their long-term omeprazole use.

What's particularly concerning is that many of these patients couldn't even remember why they'd started taking the medication in the first place.

They'd simply continued year after year, assuming it was protecting their stomachs, when in reality it might have been causing the very problems they were experiencing.

The NHS has clear guidance about using omeprazole safely, particularly for those buying it without a prescription.

"Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription," the health service states on its website.

They recommend seeing a GP if symptoms worsen or don't improve during this time.

The drug can hinder the absorption of key nutrients

The medication comes in various forms - tablets, capsules and liquid - with some tablets that dissolve in water.

How much you need and how long you should take it depends entirely on your specific condition and why it's been prescribed.

While some people only need it for a few days, others might require it for weeks, months or even years - but this should always be under proper medical supervision.

The NHS advises checking the information leaflet carefully and consulting a pharmacist or doctor if you're unsure about the dosage.