How long can you safely take omeprazole

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 75-year-old woman in very good health with the exception of my Barrett’s esophagus, which I have had for five years with no dysplasia.

My gastroenterologist had prescribed 20 mg of omeprazole once a day for those five years. He thought that a dose this small is not a problem. I seem to have had no ill effects, according to the yearly blood work from my primary care physician, but I am concerned about the long-term usage of this drug.

Could you please advise?

How to stop taking omeprazole 20 mg

-- P.C.

ANSWER: The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach. There is a valve-like structure called the lower esophageal sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus, which is supposed to keep food and acid in the stomach.

Gastroesophageal reflux is a failure of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where, after years of acid reflux, the lining of the esophagus becomes more like the lining of the stomach.

This condition, metaplasia, is not cancerous in itse

is omeprazole safe to use long term

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