Cancer Causes & Risk Factors Does Omeprazole Cause Cancer? By Elizabeth Pratt Updated on October 07, 2023 Medically reviewed by Archana Sharma, DO Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents How Omeprazole Increases Cancer Risk Should I Stop Using Prilosec? Alternatives to PPIs How to Prevent Heartburn Prilosec (omeprazole) may cause cancer, with some studies finding an association between this proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and an increased risk of gastric (stomach) cancer. PPIs are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. The emerging evidence from a number of studies implicates these medications when used over the long term to treat digestive disorders. This article explains research to date on the link between PPIs and cancer, as well as alternatives to treatment with omeprazole. laflor / Getty Images How Omeprazole Increases Cancer Risk PPIs like omeprazole, rabeprazole, lansoprazole, and esomeprazole are used to treat helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When digesting food, the stomach uses gastric acid to break food down. During this process, cells in the stomach called G cells produce a hormone called gastrin, which signals to other cells to pump acid. PPIs stop acid from being produced. The body responds by recognizing there isn't enough acid and seeks to make more by producing more gastrin. Too much gastrin has been found to promote the growth of gastrointestinal tumors. Some studies have suggested that gastric-acid suppression from PPIs leads to: Elevated levels of gastrinInflammation of the stomach liningBacterial overgrowth This in turn may play a role in the development of cancer in the gastrointestinal system. A 2019 study found that even when H. pylori infection was eradicated, the long-term use of PPIs was still associated with a twofold increased risk for gastric cancer. Other Risks From PPIs Prolonged use of PPIs has been linked to: Reduced B12 levels Increased risk of pneumonia Increased risk of hip fractures Increased risk of dementia Increased risk of heart attack Increased risk of chronic kidney disease Side Effects of PPIs Should I Stop Using Prilosec? PPIs like Prilosec and Prevacid (lansoprazole) are available over the counter without a prescription. But long term use can be problematic, even at the lower doses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says over-the-counter (OTC) PPIs should only be taken for the 14-day course up to three times a year. In some cases, other medications (like an H2 blocker) may be appropriate. However, some people may still experience difficult symptoms after coming off PPIs and may need to go back on them at a higher dosage. Stopping PPIs Abruptly Could Cause Rebound Effects If you have been taking PPIs for at least a few weeks, you should not stop taking the medication suddenly. Doing so may cause a rebound effect with stomach acid. People who take PPIs should discuss treatment options or changes with their healthcare provider. Alternatives to PPIs Although PPIs are commonly prescribed in the U.S., there are alternative options available. These can include lifestyle modifications, alternative therapies, and other medications. Other Medications There are other medications that can be used instead of PPIs in the treatment of conditions like acid reflux. H2 blockers are medications that lower the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. They are absorbed quickly and the resulting acid suppression lasts for several hours after the medications have been taken. H2 blockers can also work to counter the effect of acid on the esophagus that causes heartburn. H2 blockers include: Tagamet (cimetidine)Axid (nizatidine)Pepcid (famotidine) Antacids may be appropriate in some cases. These drugs work by neutralizing stomach acid. They are the oldest treatment for heartburn on the market. Most antacids are a mixture of aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. Some may also contain sodium bicarbonate. The Differences Between Famotidine and Omeprazole Lifestyle Changes As well as medications, lifestyle changes can in some cases assist with conditions treated by PPIs like acid reflux or GERD. Lifestyle changes that may help include: Losing weightQuitting smokingEating smaller mealsGetting adequate sleepRaising the head of the bed at night for sleepAvoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic food and drinks, like citrus, chocolate, mints, coffee, alcohol, and tomato-based products Alternative Therapy Some alternative therapies that may be helpful as an alternative for PPIs include: AcupunctureHypnotherapyHerbal remedies Herbal remedies that may be helpful include: Chamomile: Chamomile tea can soothe the digestive tract, but shouldn't be taken by those who have a ragweed allergy.Licorice: This is believed to help the coating of the esophagus to protect it from irritation due to stomach acid.Ginger: This has been used for centuries to aid in digestion and as a remedy for heartburn. Heartburn Treatment: Natural Antacids, Medication, and More How to Prevent Heartburn There are a number of steps that may help you to avoid acid reflux or GERD, and that could limit the need for omeprazole and other PPI medications. Some ways to prevent acid reflux or GERD in the first place include: Maintaining a healthy weight: An increased weight can increase the risk of acid reflux and GERD. Losing weight if overweight can help avoid this, as can maintaining a healthy weight. Don't smoke: Nicotine is the ingredient in tobacco that makes smoking addictive. It is believed nicotine also relaxes the esophageal sphincter which can lead to reflux or heartburn. Avoid certain foods and drinks: As mentioned above, avoiding spicy, fatty, or triggering foods and drinks like tomatoes, mint, or coffee can help avoid reflux. Avoid carbonated beverages: Bubbly drinks like soda and sparkling water can cause burping, which sends acid to the esophagus. Drinking flat drinks like water will help avoid this. Stay upright after eating: Sitting upright or standing after eating helps keep acid in the stomach. Eating no later than three hours before going to bed will help avoid reflux. Avoid speedy activity after eating: Vigorous exercise or workouts that involve bending over can cause acid to rise to the esophagus. Wait a couple of hours after eating before working out vigorously. Sleep with your head elevated: When sleeping, your head should be six to eight inches higher than your feet. This can be achieved through a foam wedge to support the upper parts of the body or using bed risers on the legs of the bed near the head. Some medicines can relax the esophageal sphincter, causing reflux. Others can irritate the esophagus. Always speak with your healthcare provider before discontinuing or changing any medications. How to Stop Acid Reflux While Sleeping Summary PPIs like omeprazole are used to treat GERD and acid reflux, but they may cause elevated gastrin levels in the stomach. This may play a role in the development of gastric cancer. Long-term use of PPIs may cause certain health risks, but other medications and lifestyle changes may help manage these conditions. Prevention strategies like stopping smoking and changes in diet may help manage GERD to avoid the need for medication. 12 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Mishuk AU, Chen L, Gaillard P, Westrick S, Hansen RA, Qian J. National trends in prescription proton pump inhibitor use and expenditure in the United States in 2002-2017. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2020 Oct 22:S1544-3191(20)3047 Waldum HL, Fossmark R. Types of Gastric Carcinomas. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Dec 18;19(12):4109. doi:10.3390/ijms19124109. Cheung KS, Leung WK. Long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors and risk of gastric cancer: a review of the current evidence. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2019;12:1756284819834511. doi:10.1177/1756284819834511 Harvard Medical School. Should you keep taking that heartburn medication? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA drug safety communication: Low magnesium levels can be associated with long-term use of proton pump inhibitor drugs (PPIs). International Foundation For Gastrointestinal Disorders. H2 blockers. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. Antacids. Michigan Health. What to do if PPIs aren’t stopping your reflux symptoms. Rabitti S, Giovanardi CM, Colussi D. Acupuncture and Related Therapies for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2021 Mar 1;55(3):207-217. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001455. Riehl ME, Keefer L. Hypnotherapy for esophageal disorders. Am J Clin Hypn. 2015;58(1):22-33. doi:10.1080/00029157.2015.1025355 Harvard Medical School. Herbal remedies for heartburn. Harvard Medical School. 9 ways to relieve acid reflux without medication. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit