Prilosec Raises Cancer Fears

The August, 2000 issue of Gastroenterology brings an item that expresses concern that the drug Prilosec, commonly used for acid reflux, may well set up conditions in the stomach that may lead to the patient developing gastric cancer.

Acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid leaks back up into the esophagus through a malfunctioning stomach valve between the stomach and esophagus. Prilosec (generic name omeprazole) is in a class of drugs that are called proton pump inhibiting drugs (PPIs) that turn off the acid producing cells in the stomach.

Researcher Craig Mowat, M.D. says patients who took Prilosec developed "both the altered [internal stomach environment] associated with gastric cancer and the inflamed mucosa. The potential long-term adverse effects of this combination are of considerable concern."