10/28/2022

Omeprazole, Prilosec, Losec, and neuropathy

Several years ago I was put on omeprazole for acid reflux at night. The doctor never indicated any concerns for long term use of it, As usual I read the side effect.

After an unknown amount of time I began to develop a feeling in my feet like they were always dry. I didn't pay much attention to it because I could feel heat, cold, and touch just fine.

Eventually I went to the a neurologist after seeing a podiatrist over an unrelated matter.

It seems that I had neuropathy in my feet. How I got it was a mystery. After some testing it was determined that A. it was not genetic, B. it was not diabetes, and C it was a vitamin B12 deficiency.

How did I get a B12 deficiency? I eat foods with lots of B12.

I did some research on it and found that buried deep in the drug manufacturers website was that omeprazole should not be taken for more than 2 months. It did not say why. Well the reason is that omeprazole interferes with the bodies ability to absorb certain vitamins.

I am now on vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid supplements but I could have lost the use of my hands if this had gone too far.

I smell a class action lawsuit.