Omeprazole is among the most frequently prescribed medicines in the UK. The latest NHS figures show that between 2022 and 2023, over 73 million prescriptions for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, were dispensed in England alone. That means nearly 15% of the population may be taking these drugs.

PPIs are medications designed to reduce stomach acid production. They achieve this by blocking proton pumps, enzymes located in the lining of the stomach that are responsible for generating acid. By lowering acid levels, PPIs help manage conditions such as acid reflux and heartburn, which affect millions of people.

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Conditions Managed by PPIs

The role of PPIs extends far beyond occasional heartburn. They are commonly prescribed to treat:

• Indigestion
• Healing stomach ulcers
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD/GERD)
• Acid-related inflammation of the food pipe

In addition, omeprazole and other PPIs are sometimes prescribed alongside antibiotics to treat Helicobacter pylori, a stomach infection that can lead to ulcers if left untreated.

Commonly Prescribed PPIs

While omeprazole is the best-known name in this group, the class includes several widely used alternatives:

• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)
• Rabeprazole (AcipHex)

Doctors often select one of these depending on the severity of symptoms, patient tolerance, and how long treatment is expected to last.

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NHS Warning on Long-Term Use

Despite their effectiveness, the NHS has issued a clear warning regarding prolonged, unsupervised use of PPIs. On its official website, the health service cautions:

"Do not take omeprazole for longer than two weeks if you bought it without a prescription. See a GP if your symptoms get worse or do not get better."

The reason for this strict guidance is that long-term or unnecessary use of PPIs may carry hidden risks.

The Risk of Clostridioides difficile Infection

One of the most significant risks linked to extended use of PPIs is a higher chance of developing an infection caused by Clostridioides difficile, often shortened to C. diff.

This bacterium can affect the intestines, producing a range of unpleasant and sometimes dangerous symptoms, including:

• Watery or offensive-smelling diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus)
• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

In most people, C. diff co-exists harmlessly with other bacteria in the gut. However, when the balance of bacteria is disrupted, particularly after taking antibiotics or acid-reducing drugs like PPIs, it can multiply and release toxins that damage the colon.

The infection is especially risky for older adults, hospital patients, and people with weakened immune systems.

How C. difficile Spreads

The bacteria can also be transmitted through spores that survive on contaminated surfaces, making healthcare settings a common site of infection. This makes it vital to use PPIs under medical supervision, especially for people already vulnerable to infections.

How to Take Omeprazole Safely

Omeprazole is available in tablets, capsules, and liquid form. Some tablets are designed to dissolve in water. The exact dosage and length of treatment depend on the medical condition being treated.

General NHS advice includes:

• Take omeprazole once daily at the same time each morning.
• If prescribed twice daily, take it morning and evening consistently.
• It can be taken with or without food.

Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew tablets labelled enteric-coated or gastro-resistant, as this affects how the drug is absorbed.

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Patients struggling to swallow pills are advised to speak to a pharmacist, who may suggest alternative formulations.

Duration of Use

While some individuals only need PPIs for a few days, others may require treatment for weeks, months, or even years depending on their condition. This makes it all the more important to balance the benefits against potential risks.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, omeprazole can cause side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Excessive flatulence

Although these are typically mild and temporary, the NHS advises patients to stop driving or using machinery if they experience dizziness or vision problems after taking the drug.

Balancing Benefits and Risks

Medical experts stress that while PPIs like omeprazole are highly effective in treating acid-related conditions, patients should not view them as a “forever” medicine without consultation.

For many, these drugs significantly improve quality of life by controlling painful and disruptive symptoms. But the potential risks of long-term use, particularly regarding gut health and infection, underline the need for ongoing medical guidance.

What Patients Should Do

Health authorities recommend that anyone taking omeprazole or other PPIs should:

• Follow the dosage instructions carefully.
• Avoid prolonged self-medication without consulting a doctor.
• Discuss alternative treatments if symptoms persist.
• Seek medical advice promptly if new symptoms appear, especially diarrhoea, fever, or severe abdominal pain.

Former Senator Ben Sasse shared on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The former two-term senator, now 53, revealed in a long social media message that he learned about the illness last week. “This is a hard note to write, but since many of you have already sensed something, I’ll get straight to it: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and I am going to die,” Sasse wrote. He went on to describe advanced pancreatic cancer as “brutal” and called it a death sentence, adding that mortality is something everyone carries.

“I’m fortunate to have incredible siblings and half a dozen friends who are truly like brothers to me. As one of them said, ‘Yes, you’re on the clock, but all of us are.’ Death is a cruel thief, and none of us escape it,” he added.

The Nebraska Republican also wrote, “I’ll have more to share. I’m not giving up without a fight.”

Ben Sasse Diagnosed With Stage 4 Cancer

Former senator and former University of Florida president Ben Sasse announced on Tuesday, Dec. 23, that he has been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer, as per CNN News.

In the deeply personal message, the former Republican lawmaker from Nebraska described the diagnosis as a “death sentence,” while expressing appreciation for the steady support of his family and close friends.

Ben Sasse: What Happens In Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer?

Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, also known as metastatic pancreatic cancer, means the disease has spread beyond the pancreas to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or the lining of the abdomen. At this advanced stage, the cancer is generally considered incurable, and care focuses on prolonging life and easing symptoms like pain, weight loss, and jaundice through palliative treatment, with the goal of preserving quality of life, as per Cleveland Clinic.

Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer: How Do Pancreatic And Prostate Cancer Survival Rates Compare?

Pancreatic cancer has a far poorer survival outlook than prostate cancer, largely because it is usually detected late and has fewer effective treatment options. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer that has not spread survive at least five years, while pancreatic cancer is often found at an advanced stage, where long-term survival is uncommon.

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer makes up about 3 percent of all cancers in the United States but accounts for roughly 8 percent of cancer-related deaths. Most patients are diagnosed at Stage 4, and the disease is widely regarded as largely incurable. Prostate cancer, by contrast, is the second most common cancer among men, and the majority of those diagnosed do not die from it. The five-year relative survival rate for non-metastasized prostate cancer is 97.9 percent, dropping to about 38 percent once it spreads. These figures highlight how early detection and effective treatment options make prostate cancer far more survivable than pancreatic cancer.

Recent news has included diagnoses such as Ben Sasse’s terminal pancreatic cancer, as well as public figures like John Eimen, who died from prostate cancer. These cases draw attention to the difficulty of detecting pancreatic cancer early, since there are few reliable screening tools before symptoms appear. Prostate cancer, in contrast, often progresses slowly, and with regular screening and multiple treatment options, many men live for decades after diagnosis.

Ben Sasse: What Treatment Options Is Ben Sasse Pursuing For Stage-Four Pancreatic Cancer?

While treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, and in rare situations surgery are available, stage-four pancreatic cancer is still considered largely incurable. The absence of effective early screening contributes to delayed diagnosis, and although a small number of patients, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, have lived longer following surgery, these cases are rare. Well-known individuals including Alex Trebek and Aretha Franklin also battled the disease, which remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, along with responsibilities in the PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Tuesday called for careful and evidence-led use of anti-obesity and weight-reduction medicines. He stressed that these drugs should be prescribed thoughtfully and not treated as routine or easy solutions.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Asia Oceania Conference on Obesity (AOCO), the minister said obesity is a complex, long-term condition that tends to recur and cannot be managed through isolated medical treatment alone. Instead, he said, it needs a wider response involving society at large.

At the same event, Dr Singh also launched the National Obesity Registry, describing it as an important step towards strengthening India’s obesity research framework. The initiative aims to support structured data collection, generate reliable evidence, and guide long-term policymaking in the area.

What Is National Obesity Registry?

During the conference, Dr Jitendra Singh formally unveiled the AIAARO Obesity Registry, calling it a major move to strengthen India’s research ecosystem. The registry will focus on systematic data collection, long-term follow-up, and evidence-based policymaking. It is expected to help improve clinical understanding of obesity and support the development of national strategies for its management.

India’s National Obesity Registry (NOR), launched in December 2025, is designed to create a strong and reliable data base on obesity trends across the country. This data will support public health policies, research efforts, and targeted interventions to address the growing obesity burden. The initiative is particularly significant for India, given its unique challenges related to metabolic obesity and its strong links with non-communicable diseases.

While launching the registry, Dr Singh also highlighted the strong focus placed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on tackling lifestyle-related illnesses. He noted that the Prime Minister has repeatedly spoken about obesity on national platforms, reflecting a clear shift towards preventive healthcare. This approach, he said, is supported by initiatives such as FIT India, Khelo India, and programmes that encourage small but lasting behavioural changes.

Obesity Cannot Be Treated with Shortcuts: Dr Jitendra Singh

The minister warned against the increasing commercialisation of obesity treatment and the spread of misinformation in this space. Referring to a PIB release, he said unscientific claims and so-called quick solutions often mislead people and divert attention from treatments backed by medical evidence.

India has seen a growing use of injectable obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Poviztra, both based on semaglutide, and Yurpeak, which uses tirzepatide. These once-weekly injections work by mimicking gut hormones that help regulate appetite and are marketed by companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. However, doctors caution that these drugs are not miracle solutions and must be combined with proper diet and physical activity. There are also concerns about their overuse at a time when obesity rates continue to rise.

India And Obesity

According to the World Health Organisation, obesity was linked to 3.7 million deaths globally in 2024. If strong action is not taken, the number of people living with obesity is expected to double by 2030. Recently, the WHO released its first-ever guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, or GLP-1, therapies for managing obesity as a chronic and relapsing condition.

“Obesity is a major global health challenge that WHO is committed to addressing by supporting countries and people worldwide to control it effectively and equitably. Our new guidance recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

A Phase 1 randomised clinical trial of a new Nipah virus vaccine, led by researchers in the US, is offering fresh hope for preventing this deadly infection. The study found that all three doses and vaccination schedules of the candidate vaccine, called HeV-sG-V, were safe and successfully triggered an immune response. These findings were published in the medical journal The Lancet.

The World Health Organization has identified Nipah virus as a high-priority pathogen because it can be fatal in up to 82 percent of cases and currently has no approved treatment or preventive vaccine. The virus is mostly seen in parts of Southeast Asia.

What Is Nipah Virus?

Nipah virus, or NiV, is mainly spread by fruit bats but can also pass through pigs and other animals. It can lead to serious illness and death, and there is currently no medicine or vaccine available to treat or prevent it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the virus is most commonly reported in Asia, especially in Bangladesh and India.

The virus can spread when:

• People or animals come into contact with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, stool, or saliva from an infected animal.
• People consume food that has been contaminated by an infected animal.
• People are in close contact with someone who has Nipah virus, often while caring for them.

The most effective way to reduce the risk of Nipah virus infection is to avoid contact with sick animals, particularly bats and pigs, in regions where the virus is known to circulate. This also means avoiding foods that could be contaminated, such as raw date palm sap or partially eaten fruit. Since Nipah can spread from person to person through bodily fluids, extra caution is advised when interacting with infected individuals.

Lancet Study Reveals New Nipah Vaccine Is Safe

A Phase 1 randomised clinical trial of a new Nipah virus vaccine has raised hopes that prevention may soon be possible. The trial showed that the vaccine was safe and produced an immune response, according to findings published on December 13 in The Lancet.

“The induction of antibodies within one month of vaccination, along with the sustained response seen with two doses, suggests this vaccine candidate could be useful both during outbreaks and for preventive purposes,” said researchers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, which led the study, as per NDTV,

Scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Virology in Uttar Pradesh described the results as a “milestone” in Nipah vaccine development in an accompanying editorial published in The Lancet. The Phase 1 trial involved 192 healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 49.

The study found that a single dose did not produce a strong enough immune response. However, two doses were effective, with the strongest antibody responses seen in participants who received two 100-microgram doses of HeV-sG-V given 28 days apart.

The most common side effect reported was mild to moderate pain at the injection site. No serious side effects, hospital admissions, or deaths were reported during the trial. In their editorial, ICMR-NIV experts noted that the vaccine should next be tested in a larger Phase 2 trial to better understand its safety profile and determine how much protection it can actually provide.