Is Prilosec Causing Kidney Cancer?

… Continued …

A few studies suggest that prilosec might contribute to cause the increased risk of problems affecting the kidneys. How about the risk of kidney cancer? The answer is not fully known.

But the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be to blame. CKD is a condition in which the kidneys lose their natural ability to filter and clean blood effectively – learn more in here! Advanced CKD may lead to the long-term use of kidney dialysis, and this can increase the risk of kidney cancer.

Kidney disease, including for CKD, is a common cause of renal hypertension (high blood pressure). This also can be another risk factor of kidney cancer.

So, should you avoid prilosec?

More studies may be required to confirm the link between prilosec and kidney cancer. But in general, this should not lead to knee-jerk to completely avoid using proton pump inhibitors. To keep safe, take the medicine with prescription, especially true if you need to use it regularly in long term!

In other words, use it when you actually need it and for approved indications – not for simple heartburn (indigestion)! And seek help promptly if you experience side effects of the medicine.

The common side effects of prilosec can vary from person to person. The main ones include:

1. Headache is quite common in prilosec users.
2. Gas or abdominal pain.
3. Intestinal conditions such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

In a few users, the medicine may cause an allergic reaction – typically characterized by difficulty breathing or/and swelling in particular parts of the body (such as throat, tongue, lips, and face). Make sure that you’re not allergic to omeprazole before taking it!

And if you have other particular health conditions, allow your doctor know – particularly true if you have low magnesium in the blood, low bone mineral density (such as osteoporosis), and liver disease!