Losec

• Stomach acid is required to help you digest food and kill any bacteria that could make you unwell
• A mucous barrier in the stomach stops the acid damaging the lining of the stomach
• In some people, the mucous barrier breaks down and the acid starts to damage the stomach by causing inflammation or an ulcer
• Losec works to stop the stomach from producing too much acid, helping to relieve symptoms
• Losec is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) medication
• After discussion with a prescriber, Losec can often be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Losec belongs to a group of medications called Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). It contains the active ingredient omeprazole. Losec reduces the amount of acid the cells in the lining of the stomach produce. This not only helps to stop ulcers from forming, but can also help the stomach lining to heal if damage has already occurred. 

Heartburn is often described as a burning sensation in the centre of the chest. It is caused by excess acid escaping out of the stomach and into the oesophagus (food pipe). This is known as acid reflux. Acid reflux can also cause an unpleasant taste in your mouth. By reducing the amount of acid produced, Losec can help to prevent acid reflux.

Losec tablets should be taken in the morning with half a glass of water. The tablets must not be chewed or crushed. 

Your dosage of Losec will depend on which medical condition you are treating. However, a typical dose for treating stomach (gastric) or duodenal ulcers is 20mg once daily. If this treatment fails, the dose may be increased to 40mg daily.

After starting Losec, it can take a week or two to start feeling relief from your symptoms. If you do not notice an improvement, you should speak to a health professional for further advice.

Like all medications, Losec can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting (feeling sick or being sick)
• Constipation 
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence (passing excess wind).

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

More serious side effects include:

• Yellow skin, dark urine (pee), or tiredness, which may be caused by liver problems
• Joint pain and skin rashes which could be a sign of a rare condition.

You should call a doctor straight away if you notice these side effects.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Losec may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have liver disease
• Are awaiting an endoscopy (camera test to look inside the stomach)
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding – Losec may still be suitable, but it is important that your prescriber knows about these factors.

Some medications can interact with Losec. You may be advised that Losec will not suit you if you already take:

• Digoxin
• Clopidogrel
• Nelfinavir or atazanavir
• Some antifungal medications
• Erlotinib
• Phenytoin
• Cilostazol
• Diazepam
• Saquinavir
• Tacrolimus
• Methotrexate.

Because Losec may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Losec will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Losec will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Losec will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.