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Prilosec® Drug Facts

Prilosec® (omeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor, a heartburn medication that blocks the production of stomach acid. The drug comes in both prescription and over-the-counter forms.  Prilosec® is sometimes used along with other drugs, and treats:

• Ulcers in the lining of the small intestine or stomach
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease—a condition that causes acid to flow backwards from the stomach into the esophagus and results in heartburn and injury to the esophagus (a tube-shaped organ connecting the mouth to the stomach)
• Erosive esophagitis during which the esophagus swells and its lining is eroded
• Other conditions in which the stomach overproduces acid
• When used with other drugs, a stomach bacterium causing ulcers
• The recurrence of new ulcers in the small intestine

The drug is not for the immediate relief of current heartburn symptoms, but rather for recurrent prolonged heartburn.

Prilosec® Drug Interactions

According to Drug Information Online, 171 medications, both generic and brand name, are known to interact with omeprazole. Of these, three are considered to pose a serious problem if administered with Prilosec®:

• Clopidrogel (Plavix®, to reduce heart attack or stroke in patients with peripheral artery disease)
• Atazanavir (Reyataz®, for treating human immunodeficiency virus [H.I.V.] infection)
• Nelfinavir (Viracept®, for treating H.I.V.)

Drug Information Online names 87 moderate interactions of Prilosec® with other drugs, and 81 minor interactions with additional drugs.

Prilosec® Drug Side Effects

The most common side effects of Prilosec® in its various forms are:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

Severe Side Effects

More serious side effects associated with Prilosec® have been published recently by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a news release it issued May 25, 2010, the FDA warned consumers and health care providers that there is a potential increased risk of suffering bone fractures. The  FDA is evaluating data from studies that show proton pump inhibitors taken in large doses over a long period of time coincided with the occurrence of fractures of the hip, spine and wrist.

The news release stated, “Healthcare professionals and users of proton pump inhibitors should be aware of the possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with the use of proton pump inhibitors, and weigh the known benefits against the potential risks when deciding to use them.”

In addition, the release reported that, “The data suggest that the increased risk may be dependent upon dose, duration of use, or both.”

The FDA is continuing to investigate these more recently announced side effects and new warning information is being added to the labels of proton pump inhibitors.

Prilosec® Drug Companies

Prilosec® is one of the most widely prescribed medications worldwide. The over-the-counter formulation is marketed through an agreement between Astra-Zenica and Proctor & Gamble. The prescription form of the drug is marketed by Astra-Zenica.

If you feel that you have been harmed by Prilosec® or a similar drug, we may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries and loss in a Prilosec® lawsuit. To find out how, contact a Prilosec® lawyer today.