Prilosec OTC Lawsuit Alleges Drug Increases Risk of Food Poisoning

A complaint was filed last week in Ohio alleging that side effects of Prilosec OTC increase the risk of food poisoning. The case was filed as a class action lawsuit on behalf of all individuals who purchased Prilosec OTC since 2004.

Prilosec (omeprazole magnesium) is a proton pump inhibitor used for treatment of chronic heartburn, acid reflux and peptic ulcer disease. It became available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication in 2003, and generated sales of about $1 billion last year.

The Prilosec class action lawsuit was filed on May 29, 2009 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against Proctor & Gamble and AstraZeneca PLC. The complaint alleges that the drug makers knew about the Prilosec food poisoning risk, as the drug reduces bacteria-fighting acid in the stomach, but they failed to adequately warn consumers.

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The named plaintiff in the Prilosec lawsuit is Thomas Mitchell, of Powell, Ohio, who started taking Prilosec OTC in July 2008. Mitchell claims that while taking the drug, he suffered from food poisoning symptoms that required medical treatment at least twice.

On one of the occasions, Mitchell states that he experienced food poisoning after a buffet-style dinner party with many other people, where he was only person who became ill.

According to the complaint, although the drug makers knew that Prilosec side effects decreases the amount of stomach acid, which has a negative effect on the stomach’s ability to destroy harmful bacteria when it is first ingested, they mislead consumers and indicated that users could continue to eat the foods they enjoy.

Prilosec OTC has been taken by thousands of consumers according to the complaint, and the Plaintiff believes that the number of class members encompassed in the lawsuit will exceed 500 people.

After AstraZeneca lost patent protection in 2002, generic forms of the drug became available. The drug maker enhanced and repackaged Prilosec as Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium), which works much the same way. Nexium sales exceeded $5 billion last year.

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49 Comments

  • EarnestNovember 8, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    I went to the Dr. In 2003; told him that my stomach was hurting and he put me on Omeprazole for GERD. Just got a letter about a month ago form VA that said the medicine should be taken for 2 weeks for heartburn and 4 weeks for GERD. Tested before going back on it. I have been on it for 10 years. Suffer from memory lost, slurry speech, hip pain, back pain. Magnesium deficiency. Iron deficiency,[Show More]I went to the Dr. In 2003; told him that my stomach was hurting and he put me on Omeprazole for GERD. Just got a letter about a month ago form VA that said the medicine should be taken for 2 weeks for heartburn and 4 weeks for GERD. Tested before going back on it. I have been on it for 10 years. Suffer from memory lost, slurry speech, hip pain, back pain. Magnesium deficiency. Iron deficiency, etc... What do I do?

  • JillNovember 15, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    I got itchy after taking Prilosec also....Patrick, did your itching ever clear up?

  • DebbieJanuary 25, 2012 at 7:38 pm

    I've had signs/symptoms of acid reflux, indigestion and gastro-intestinal probllems for years. Then diagnosed with GERDS, hiatal hernia, IBS, and then diverticulosis and polyps. Docters started Rxing Prilosec to me when you still needed a script for it, so guessing I've been on it 20mgs daily for well over 10 years. could never stop taking it due to overwhelming stomach distress, doc said to keep [Show More]I've had signs/symptoms of acid reflux, indigestion and gastro-intestinal probllems for years. Then diagnosed with GERDS, hiatal hernia, IBS, and then diverticulosis and polyps. Docters started Rxing Prilosec to me when you still needed a script for it, so guessing I've been on it 20mgs daily for well over 10 years. could never stop taking it due to overwhelming stomach distress, doc said to keep taking it. In the last couple of years and now recently...every sign and symptom being mentioned here...headaches, cognitive problems-memory, confusion, slurred speech, insomnia, osteopenia(progressive bone decalcification), numbness,tingling, unbearable aches and pains-especially back, legs, hands, chronic diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stool incontinence. I could go on and on. Now I've been off work since October 2011, running from one doctor to another. Been treated 3 times in past year with Cipro, Flagyl and several other meds for gastr-related infections. No hope in near future of returning to work, daily/multiple bouts of severe cramping and explosive diarrhea...and saw doc yesterday AGAIN, after explaining to the RN who took vitals and "reason for visit"..explicit about my concerns about long-term use of PPI, doctor ordered more tests but never acknowledged my concerns. Now waiting for test results and basically feel I'm being held hostage by Prilosec. HELP, someone tell me there's hope.

  • patrickJanuary 5, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    i only took prilosec otc once and for the last nine months i cant stop itching, im talking losing sleep scratching blood out itching. i will pay $10,000. to the drug companys for the antidote i dont care how much it cost to stop the itching !!! did this happen to anyone else ? the best cure for heart burn is to take tree gulps of realy cold coke ! reapeat until the burning stops. it realy wo[Show More]i only took prilosec otc once and for the last nine months i cant stop itching, im talking losing sleep scratching blood out itching. i will pay $10,000. to the drug companys for the antidote i dont care how much it cost to stop the itching !!! did this happen to anyone else ? the best cure for heart burn is to take tree gulps of realy cold coke ! reapeat until the burning stops. it realy works !

  • NancyJuly 18, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    Wow--until I received a "spam" email this morning, I had no idea that there was this type of lawsuit in the works. I too am a daily Prilosec or its OTC generic for way too many years. I need it daily or suffer extreme GURD/Heartburn. As a related issue, I also get frequent episodes of vomiting/chills/diarrhea (at least once a month) for the past several years! I have problems sleeping to the po[Show More]Wow--until I received a "spam" email this morning, I had no idea that there was this type of lawsuit in the works. I too am a daily Prilosec or its OTC generic for way too many years. I need it daily or suffer extreme GURD/Heartburn. As a related issue, I also get frequent episodes of vomiting/chills/diarrhea (at least once a month) for the past several years! I have problems sleeping to the point a normal's night sleep is the exception, not the norm for me. And if I check off the list of symptoms folks mention above, i.e, blurring vision, hip pain, etc., I can check them as the same type of issues I have. I'm not sure what my options are in any case since I'm now unemployed and uninsured so ... any help or guidance would be appreciated. Wow...

  • bobbyJuly 12, 2011 at 1:45 am

    I AM A VETERAN WHICH DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING TO ME BUT WHEN I COMPLAINED THEY WANTED TO SEND ME TO A SHRINK.THE SAID THEY NOW WANT TO HELP ME FUNNY HUH.I TOLD THEM TO GIVE ME BACK FIVE YEARS OF MY LFIE AND PUT MY GALL BLADDER BACK AND TO TRY MY DOC FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.IF YOU GIVE YOUR SPOUSE ANTI-FREEZE OR RAT POISON YOU WILL BE CHARGED .NOTHING ELSE WILL MAKE ME HAPPY.WE ALL NEED TO GET TOGETHER [Show More]I AM A VETERAN WHICH DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING TO ME BUT WHEN I COMPLAINED THEY WANTED TO SEND ME TO A SHRINK.THE SAID THEY NOW WANT TO HELP ME FUNNY HUH.I TOLD THEM TO GIVE ME BACK FIVE YEARS OF MY LFIE AND PUT MY GALL BLADDER BACK AND TO TRY MY DOC FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER.IF YOU GIVE YOUR SPOUSE ANTI-FREEZE OR RAT POISON YOU WILL BE CHARGED .NOTHING ELSE WILL MAKE ME HAPPY.WE ALL NEED TO GET TOGETHER ON THIS I AM NOT DOING TO GREAT OWN MY OWN EXCEPT I DID GET A CALL FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY. I HAVE JUST BEGAN.

  • DebbieJune 13, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    Iron deficiency, short-term memory loss, hip pain, and last but not least, diminished taste & distorted sense of smell (smell weird smells all the time) Haven't seen anyone list this, but I blame Prilosec, and/or drugs of this nature. I was on it for 7 years, and decided to quit, after the last bout of anemia. I am slowly getting better, and did natural things to deal with the night reflux[Show More]Iron deficiency, short-term memory loss, hip pain, and last but not least, diminished taste & distorted sense of smell (smell weird smells all the time) Haven't seen anyone list this, but I blame Prilosec, and/or drugs of this nature. I was on it for 7 years, and decided to quit, after the last bout of anemia. I am slowly getting better, and did natural things to deal with the night reflux, like exercise, weight loss, and final meal of day, spice control + no food at least 3 hrs before bedtime. If there is any acid, I use a tums, or rolaid. Best decision ever to get off - Dr. would still have me on it!! I think we are only beginning to see the damages it can cause, and it is being prescribed in mass, and without seeking other alternatives.

  • mickeleJune 13, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Yes this prilosec is no joke. I too have been taking it since 2005 and I cant count the number of time I had to go running to the Hospital. I had throwing up everything , including blood. I had no idea this was the cause. I was starting to blame my wife for food poisioning. Stay away from that stuff. Just went to the Hospital two weeks ago for the same thing. I felt like i was gonna die.

  • LinnellJune 1, 2011 at 5:37 am

    I have been sick, really really sick for weeks now. I stopped other meds but not my prilosec. My husband talked to a friend of ours who nearly died from this otc medication. After some research on the net., I found out that I will no longer taking it and I have an appointment with my doctor. I thought I was going crazy and dying! Some of my symptoms include: Numbness, tingling, "bugs crawling[Show More]I have been sick, really really sick for weeks now. I stopped other meds but not my prilosec. My husband talked to a friend of ours who nearly died from this otc medication. After some research on the net., I found out that I will no longer taking it and I have an appointment with my doctor. I thought I was going crazy and dying! Some of my symptoms include: Numbness, tingling, "bugs crawling" feeling, pressure on head and body, blurry vision, swelling especially around the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and gain, kidney stones, the list could go on. The hardest thing is the frustration with feeling sick all of the time. So very tired, dizzy and needing to stay real close to a bathroom! 13 years I have used this medication or suffer the lava coming up consequences! Good luck everyone.

  • marianneApril 13, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    Prilosec 16-17 yrs. Diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and placed on high dose of Vit D. Since levels went up have not taken any prilosec. Some symptoms people have reported sound like they could be thyroid related.

  • JimMarch 26, 2011 at 5:47 am

    I took Nexium for 3-yrs after having radiation for gastric lymphoma leaving me with chronic gastritis. Prior to taking the Nexium I took Prilosec and had dozens of episodes of food poisioning including one requiring two hospitalizations. My memory is shot and so are the bones in my low back, hips and one leg. I have had regular bouts of shortness of breath with little exertion. The memory issue c[Show More]I took Nexium for 3-yrs after having radiation for gastric lymphoma leaving me with chronic gastritis. Prior to taking the Nexium I took Prilosec and had dozens of episodes of food poisioning including one requiring two hospitalizations. My memory is shot and so are the bones in my low back, hips and one leg. I have had regular bouts of shortness of breath with little exertion. The memory issue cost me my Federal good job and I use to be able to do three things at one time. I even turn where I absoutely know not to turn off on the freeway. Talk about a mind wrecker!

  • VenusMarch 19, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    I have taken prilosec many times the doctor told me to use it for years. Now i am taking nexium since 2006 until presently prescribed by my doctor i still have them at home.

  • M ColeMarch 17, 2011 at 1:52 am

    Have been taking Prilosec OTC since 2005 and did not have that much problems since was only taking 1 pill a day. Now am up to 4 pills a day (recommended by doctor) since acid reflux has gotten worse and have continuous diarrhea and runny stools.

  • AngieMarch 3, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    I'm 43 yes. old and feel like I'm 80. I've been taking prilosac for over 5 yrs. I've been to the ER about 15 times, over the yrs, see my family dr on weekly basis! they've done every kind of test that can be done. I stay dizze, short of breath, body hurts, legs feel like they weigh 80 pounds a piece. Now I'm starting to have joint and muscle pains. My GI dr has increased the prilosac to 40mg[Show More]I'm 43 yes. old and feel like I'm 80. I've been taking prilosac for over 5 yrs. I've been to the ER about 15 times, over the yrs, see my family dr on weekly basis! they've done every kind of test that can be done. I stay dizze, short of breath, body hurts, legs feel like they weigh 80 pounds a piece. Now I'm starting to have joint and muscle pains. My GI dr has increased the prilosac to 40mg 2x a day plus 300ms of zantac at night! WTF! and I still have heart burn. What else is there to do??? My next step is to ask about the surgery!

  • The BeaveFebruary 21, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    Hey morons these drugs like Nexium are not intended to take everyday 365 day a year.

  • elenaFebruary 19, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    for yrs. my daughter would contract a stomach illness after consuming the same restaurant food we parents eat/ate but wondered we did not.Recently read about the clostridium difficile associated diarrhea connection to PPI's.She has taken a PPI for (5) consecutive yrs. for GERD.She restarted on one again recently 2/2011 & had a recurrence.The GI spec.stated she could be @ risk for CDAD & o[Show More]for yrs. my daughter would contract a stomach illness after consuming the same restaurant food we parents eat/ate but wondered we did not.Recently read about the clostridium difficile associated diarrhea connection to PPI's.She has taken a PPI for (5) consecutive yrs. for GERD.She restarted on one again recently 2/2011 & had a recurrence.The GI spec.stated she could be @ risk for CDAD & other infectious diarrhea from long term PPI use.

  • sabrinaJanuary 14, 2011 at 5:26 am

    I have taken prilosec for over 12 years! my health has went downhill ever since just recently I found some articles on this matter and I feel prilosec is killing ME I stopped it last week and im taking OTC zantac until I can see my gast. specialist.. I also have had fundic gland polyps and constant horrible stomach pains with diarreah!! I cant go anywhere and im afraid to even eat I have lost over[Show More]I have taken prilosec for over 12 years! my health has went downhill ever since just recently I found some articles on this matter and I feel prilosec is killing ME I stopped it last week and im taking OTC zantac until I can see my gast. specialist.. I also have had fundic gland polyps and constant horrible stomach pains with diarreah!! I cant go anywhere and im afraid to even eat I have lost over 20 lbs in short time.... I also have severe vitamin d deficiency.. my bones and body hurts all over I wont be surprised if I dont have osteo... and im not even 40 yet! this needs to STOP the companies need to warm ppl of this stuff.. its so unfair I feel like I will never be NORMAL again I even took prilosec while I was pregnant now my son who is 6 is having gerd symptoms

  • elenaDecember 21, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    Just read this month 12/2010 about a link bet. PPI long term use w/dev. of fundic gland polyps. Veronica my daughter (now age 19) had been taking RX Omeprazole for four yrs. until 8 or 9 (2 larger) fundic gland polyps were discovered during an upper endoscopy under anesthesia in 6/08. Polyps were removed at parents request in 9/08 under anesthesia. Physician stated the polyps were a side effect[Show More]Just read this month 12/2010 about a link bet. PPI long term use w/dev. of fundic gland polyps. Veronica my daughter (now age 19) had been taking RX Omeprazole for four yrs. until 8 or 9 (2 larger) fundic gland polyps were discovered during an upper endoscopy under anesthesia in 6/08. Polyps were removed at parents request in 9/08 under anesthesia. Physician stated the polyps were a side effect of long term use of Omeprazole (PPI). NOTE: Our GI physician had periodically informed us (parents) on report of a link of stomach infections in elderly only from long term use of Omeprazole.. Insert w/med. did not list this side effect nor the link of stomach fundic gland polyps & Omeprazole. A FDA pharmacist stated fundic gland polyps are benign but can be irreversible once medication is discontinued. Veronica had taken Prilosec OTC also for several mos. (approx.late 2003-early 2004) Prior to starting long term RX therapy. Is there in fact a link bet. Risk of food poisoning w/Prilosec? I now have concerns as Veronica has had multiple occurrences of intestinal illnesses following consumption of restaurant foods since 2004.

  • BarbaraDecember 12, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    I have been on Omeprezole for four years now. A few months ago I started getting a firey feeling in my stomach..off and on. Now it is daily and increasing in number of attacks and the length of time of the attack. six trips to the ER and no one know what is causing my trouble. they think I am clinically depressed and gave me a mild tranquilizer. I am about to go crazy from this pain. I rock and c[Show More]I have been on Omeprezole for four years now. A few months ago I started getting a firey feeling in my stomach..off and on. Now it is daily and increasing in number of attacks and the length of time of the attack. six trips to the ER and no one know what is causing my trouble. they think I am clinically depressed and gave me a mild tranquilizer. I am about to go crazy from this pain. I rock and cry for hours at a time. There has to be relief somewhere. I shall quit taking this pill immediately and lay in a supply of tums or maalox to help with distress. This drug was given to me automtically with a list of meds they started me on after having a stent insertec in my heart. They never told me to only take if for a shor while..nor did they tell me why they thought I needed it. I feel like I have been ravaged by a system that was supposed to be helping me. What ever happed to the hippocratic oath? fist do no harm!!

  • IreneNovember 16, 2010 at 6:10 am

    I have been experiencing memory loss, waking up choking on acid reflux, increased heartburn, poor judgement, sleeplessness(36-48hrs+), and I have been taking omprezole 20mg twice daily for so many years now that I can't remember when I began taking it. I was also on reglan for many years and began to notice spasms in my hands and fingers so I was referred to a Neurologist who told me to stop takin[Show More]I have been experiencing memory loss, waking up choking on acid reflux, increased heartburn, poor judgement, sleeplessness(36-48hrs+), and I have been taking omprezole 20mg twice daily for so many years now that I can't remember when I began taking it. I was also on reglan for many years and began to notice spasms in my hands and fingers so I was referred to a Neurologist who told me to stop taking the reglan immediately. I still experience sudden jerky movements in my fingers and legs particularly when I am at rest.

  • CaroleNovember 2, 2010 at 5:52 am

    I TYPED ALL MY SYMPTOMS ON GOOGLE AND UP CAME A PAGE WITH HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO WERE TAKING PRILOSEC AND HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS. OMG!!! I STARTED TAKING PRILOSEC WHEN MY GASTROENTEROLOGIST SAID TO TAKE IT FOR MY 'SWALLOWING PROBLEM,' AND AFTER AN ENDOSCOPY THEN THEY FOUND A BACTERIA IN MY STOMACH CALLED HELICOBACTER PYLORI, WHICH HE THOUGHT MIGHT BE THE CAUSE OF THE SWALLOWING PROBLEM SO HE TOLD[Show More]I TYPED ALL MY SYMPTOMS ON GOOGLE AND UP CAME A PAGE WITH HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO WERE TAKING PRILOSEC AND HAD THE SAME SYMPTOMS. OMG!!! I STARTED TAKING PRILOSEC WHEN MY GASTROENTEROLOGIST SAID TO TAKE IT FOR MY 'SWALLOWING PROBLEM,' AND AFTER AN ENDOSCOPY THEN THEY FOUND A BACTERIA IN MY STOMACH CALLED HELICOBACTER PYLORI, WHICH HE THOUGHT MIGHT BE THE CAUSE OF THE SWALLOWING PROBLEM SO HE TOLD ME TO DOUBLE UP ON THE PRILOSEC. I BELIEVE THAT'S WHEN ALL MY SYMTOMS STARTED, WHICH ARE SPIKING BLOOD PRESSURE, INSOMNIA, UPSET STOMACH, BLURRED VISION, EYE TWITCHING, PARANOIA, HEART PAPITATIONS, RINGING IN MY EARS, BELCHING, TINGLING HANDS AND FEET, BACK ACHE, AND GENERAL BRAIN FOG...NOT EXACTLY A DAY AT THE BEACH, HUH? I CAN REGULATE THESE SYMPTOMS WITH FOOD AND EXERCISE TEMPORARILY, BUT THEN THEY COME BACK. I'VE ALWAYS HAD LOW BLOOD PRESSURE WHICH WAS 115/75 UNTIL I STARTED ON THE PRILOSEC, NOW IT SPIKES TO 155/88, THEN COMES DOWN AFTER I EAT A MEAL. THIS SEEMS MORE LIKE SYMPTOMS OF AN ALERGIC REACTION TO A MEDICATION...NOT HYPERTENSION. I STOPPED TAKING THE PRILOSEC TWO MONTHS AGO BUT MY SYMPTOMS HAVE REMAINED . I'M WONDERING IF I DID DAMAGE TO MY SYSTEM WITH THIS POISON PILL, OR IF IT TAKES MORE TIME TO GET RID IT FROM MY SYSTEM!. WOULD ANYBODY READING THIS KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT? I'M THINKING THIS IS A VITAMAN DEFICIENCY BROUGHT ON BY THIS LITTLE POISON PILL...WHAT SAY YOU?

  • M WalkerSeptember 12, 2010 at 12:53 am

    I have had GERDs for years & last year I went to a throat Dr because pain terrible. He was concerned upon exam that I would develop throat cancer. I was started on Prilosec. I became very I'll by the 6th day & called the ER as I was having severe abdominal cramps, sweating, nausea & uncontrollable diarrhea. I was about to pass out. The ER tech told me to stop taking the Prilosec & [Show More]I have had GERDs for years & last year I went to a throat Dr because pain terrible. He was concerned upon exam that I would develop throat cancer. I was started on Prilosec. I became very I'll by the 6th day & called the ER as I was having severe abdominal cramps, sweating, nausea & uncontrollable diarrhea. I was about to pass out. The ER tech told me to stop taking the Prilosec & to start on anti diarrheal medication and drink lots of water & contact my doctor on Monday. I did and my blood pressure was very low, I was very weak and my Lipase level was very high. My gallbladder was checked & found stone free. I continued to pass fatty stools and bright yellow bile for months. I was so week and breathless and felt like I was dying. My GP sent me to GI doctor for upper & lower endoscopy. All good there. GI sent me to a doctor specializing in Pancreas. He gave me something that made I have had GERDs for years & last year I went to a throat Dr because pain terrible. He was concerned upon exam that I would develop throat cancer. I was started on Prilosec. I became very I'll by the 6th day & called the ER as I was having severe abdominal cramps, sweating, nausea & uncontrollable diarrhea. I was about to pass out. The ER tech told me to stop taking the Prilosec & to start on anti diarrheal medication and drink lots of water & contact my doctor on Monday. I did and my blood pressure was very low, I was very weak and my Lipase level was very high. My gallbladder was checked & found stone free. I continued to pass fatty stools and bright yellow bile for months. I was so week and breathless and felt like I was dying. My GP sent me to GI doctor for upper & lower endoscopy. All good there. GI sent me to a doctor specializing in Pancreas. He gave me something that made the symptoms better but now I am worse again after about one year of living on chicken. I can not eat red me since the Prilosec. I end up with severe yellow diarrhea and the stabbing back pains , especially upon laying down. Just like I did when all this started last May, 2010.the symptoms better but now I am worse again after about one year of living on chicken. I can not eat red me since the Prilosec. I end up with severe yellow diarrhea and the stabbing back pains , especially upon laying down. Just like I did when all this started last May, 2010.

  • CarolynAugust 17, 2010 at 1:48 am

    I have taken Prilosec for many years and have been suffering with anemia and low blood sugar... The most disturbing are the 100's of polyps that are present in my stomache. When I now try to go off the PPI, I am throwing up and cannot get off the PPI. I am now waiing for biopsy reports on some of the polyps that my Gastrologist removed. I can verify this with my doctor and I am presently under [Show More]I have taken Prilosec for many years and have been suffering with anemia and low blood sugar... The most disturbing are the 100's of polyps that are present in my stomache. When I now try to go off the PPI, I am throwing up and cannot get off the PPI. I am now waiing for biopsy reports on some of the polyps that my Gastrologist removed. I can verify this with my doctor and I am presently under treatment for the side effects of long-term use of PPI's.

  • danaJuly 31, 2010 at 8:25 pm

    I started taking prilosec off and on in 2006, always in prescription form. GI trouble was also off and on from the beginning. ER in 06 for intense abdominal cramping (my sister said it looked like giving birth). By the year 2009, I was sleeping with a coffee can next to me every night knowing that I would wake up vomiting uncontrollably. Every GI test was ordered and performed over months-all nega[Show More]I started taking prilosec off and on in 2006, always in prescription form. GI trouble was also off and on from the beginning. ER in 06 for intense abdominal cramping (my sister said it looked like giving birth). By the year 2009, I was sleeping with a coffee can next to me every night knowing that I would wake up vomiting uncontrollably. Every GI test was ordered and performed over months-all negative. The last trip to the ER was by ambulance at 9:00 a.m.? I had been vomiting for hours and could not stop. Always bile. Endless bile..litres of bile. A blood draw showed one slight concern: increased lipase. I found an old Mosby's and went from "see:lipase" to "biliary " to "etc. etc. It was obviously the prilosec. I discontinued the prilosec, researched "acid rebound and stomach ph" and have been symptom free from days after stopping the drug. Reading these other stories is stunning to me. I thought I was alone.dana

  • BrendaJune 23, 2010 at 12:34 am

    I have been taking prilosec for two years. I have experienced severe lower back pains, pain in my right hip and leg. My right leg hurt so bad until it feel like it numb. I have also had problems with my right hand hurting from my finger tips to my elbow in which my fingers sometimes lock up. Of course the headaches are very bad at times also. I am getting worse from taking this medicine. I'v[Show More]I have been taking prilosec for two years. I have experienced severe lower back pains, pain in my right hip and leg. My right leg hurt so bad until it feel like it numb. I have also had problems with my right hand hurting from my finger tips to my elbow in which my fingers sometimes lock up. Of course the headaches are very bad at times also. I am getting worse from taking this medicine. I've also had my mouth to swell up. If some one know of how I can get compesated for damages to my body from taking this medicine, please let me know. Thanks

  • RobertJune 21, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    I took acid reflux medication for a long time and I made me very very sick.I would like to help others that cant figure out why they dont feel well taking these pump reducers. Your Doctor will not tell you what I have learned.

  • marieJune 21, 2010 at 8:46 pm

    I have been taking Pepsid OCT & Equate acid controller for five yrs. I had a back operation & the dr put me on pain meds and said to take Pepsid. I since have had two spine fracture, two hips replaced and a knee replacement. I take the pills at night and now I am waking up nauseous every day . I son't know what to do, so now I am taking Tums?? I s this the same drug in Prioisec??951

  • AlexaJune 19, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    In late March of this year, I went to the hospital complaining about palpitations and also occasional stomach discomfort on my right side where I had my appendix removed years ago. The ER doctor prescribed Prilosec and after a few days I went off this medication. Didn't feel I needed it. Well, guess what? I immediatetly started getting bloating and acid reflux and still get this daily. After looki[Show More]In late March of this year, I went to the hospital complaining about palpitations and also occasional stomach discomfort on my right side where I had my appendix removed years ago. The ER doctor prescribed Prilosec and after a few days I went off this medication. Didn't feel I needed it. Well, guess what? I immediatetly started getting bloating and acid reflux and still get this daily. After looking into this medicine, I discovered that Prilosec is known to CAUSE these symptoms. Happy days! It's nice getting scr*wed over.

  • SheriJune 19, 2010 at 4:34 am

    ok so i've skimmed over alot of these previous comments. i am 42 yrs. old. recently diagnosed with Osteoporosis( swiss cheese bones....brittle bones) i have it bad in my back and bilateral hip area! I have taken Prilosec OTC for yrs. as well for GERD. This is my story........... I recently hurt my lower back at work. went to doc. i told him "I know i have osteoporosis" Doctor said...NO you prob[Show More]ok so i've skimmed over alot of these previous comments. i am 42 yrs. old. recently diagnosed with Osteoporosis( swiss cheese bones....brittle bones) i have it bad in my back and bilateral hip area! I have taken Prilosec OTC for yrs. as well for GERD. This is my story........... I recently hurt my lower back at work. went to doc. i told him "I know i have osteoporosis" Doctor said...NO you probably don't. your tooooo young!. LOW and BEHOLD i had a dexiscan and labs drawn. I've had trouble with my left hip for yrs et. 3 back injuries. Omeprazole was given to me as a perscription from the doctor but it was so easy to run to the store and purchase Prilosec OTC once it was sold in the stores. I take it PRN so only like 2-3 days a week. After i was diagnosed with Osteo and by looking at the chart and my numbers i have it really bad like a 60-70 yr. old.....im only....42 yrs. old!!!!!! I was so so upset. Doc placed me on 50,000 units of vit. D a week x 8 wks. i go have more labs drawn next week. Doctor also ordered for me to have labs done on my parathyroids to see if i had one of them malfunctioning. The only job of the Parathyroids is to regulate the calcium in the blood and bones. those labs came back Negative which means my 4 parathyroids are fine. (Parathyroids have nothing to do with the Thyroid.) I hope my calcium levels have elevated from what they were. The FDA recently found Prilosec OTC was related to fractures in the hip back and wrists!!!!!!! so basically that is weakness of the bones which is osteoporosis. (I've never had any food poisoning signs or symptoms from taking prilosec) I'm a registered nurse. I hope that i still have a long time of caring for others and hope the osteoporosis doesn't cause my career to end early!!!! :-(

  • SharonJune 17, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    I have been taking Prilosec OTC for about a year.I stoped taking it because it started causeing me leg pain and blurred vision.bloating and diarrhea..And I believe it has caused me some memory problems and I have headaches all the time now and fatigue..I still have heartburn, but it has gotten worse. and just this morning my legs where hurting so bad my toes felt like they where asleep..And I didn[Show More]I have been taking Prilosec OTC for about a year.I stoped taking it because it started causeing me leg pain and blurred vision.bloating and diarrhea..And I believe it has caused me some memory problems and I have headaches all the time now and fatigue..I still have heartburn, but it has gotten worse. and just this morning my legs where hurting so bad my toes felt like they where asleep..And I didnt have any of these symtoms before I started taking Prilosec OTC.

  • malachyJune 16, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    Well, on the positive side, i have take priloswec for about four years, and it has been a Godsendl. I had deviticulosis, Tick, and occasonal severe stomach pain taking me to the ER twice. Since on prilosec no such pain again. It is vital to be certain about such complaints, and our govt should enter into this and clear it up, period.

  • MelodyJune 16, 2010 at 12:32 am

    After 10 months of Prilosec, twice a day,(bleeding esophogeal ulcer and Barrett's Syndrome) i went off it 6 weeks ago after the negative publicity. I had been experiencing diarrhea, already have early osteoporisis (50 years old), am very active outdoors and DID NOT want to jeopardize my passion. In the last 6 weeks my acid reflux has become EXTREMELY SEVERE, with regular and violet vomit sessi[Show More]After 10 months of Prilosec, twice a day,(bleeding esophogeal ulcer and Barrett's Syndrome) i went off it 6 weeks ago after the negative publicity. I had been experiencing diarrhea, already have early osteoporisis (50 years old), am very active outdoors and DID NOT want to jeopardize my passion. In the last 6 weeks my acid reflux has become EXTREMELY SEVERE, with regular and violet vomit sessions. I am on an acid reflux diet (check out Dr. Gourmet), holistic medicines do help, but certainly is not helping enough. My time on Prilosec COMPLETELY destroyed my stomach (information online which states that regular Prilosec use actually increases stomach acid, lovely, obviously they did not tell us that when we started) I can NO LONGER enjoy FOOD and I'm not a happy girl. I am consulting a Gastroenterologist in 2 weeks, hoping I will be a candidate for Fundoplication Surgery. Anything is better that what I have been going thru. Good luck to all!!

  • VanessaJune 7, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    56yo postmenopausal female. Licensed Practical Nurse 23 years. Government Employee 21 years. work two full-time jobs for past 7 years. Just want to give you an idea of who I am. I work hard. I love both of my jobs. I was diagnosed with GERD in 2003. I have a hiatal hernia diagnosed in 2005. I have been taking PPIs since 2003. Everyday 20mg. Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Aciphex, Omeprazol[Show More]56yo postmenopausal female. Licensed Practical Nurse 23 years. Government Employee 21 years. work two full-time jobs for past 7 years. Just want to give you an idea of who I am. I work hard. I love both of my jobs. I was diagnosed with GERD in 2003. I have a hiatal hernia diagnosed in 2005. I have been taking PPIs since 2003. Everyday 20mg. Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Aciphex, Omeprazole, Zegerid. In March 2010 my primary care put me on Nexium 40mg daily because my Reflux has gotten unbearable. God help me if I miss a pill. My bones started aching really bad in 2009. My primary care prescribed Vitamen D 50000U weekly. Now I'm taking 100,000U weekly. the Vitamen D helps some. On April 19 2010, I slipped off my seat at work and fell to the floor on my hand. Broken Wrist. Workman's Comp. Just came out of the cast. I have a splint to wear that helps the tendonitis. I am a 22 year Federal Employee. My quality of life is diminished.

  • CathyJune 7, 2010 at 8:39 am

    I have been taking Prilosec for 10 years or so. In the past 5 week I have been getting progressively sicker. It started with heavy legs, memory loss and feeling tires. Now I can't get out of bed, lethargic, extreme fatigue, tingling in my lips, hands and feet, stiffness and heaviness in my limbs, headaches and more. I noticed last night after I took my Prilosec I was much worse. My mother had an a[Show More]I have been taking Prilosec for 10 years or so. In the past 5 week I have been getting progressively sicker. It started with heavy legs, memory loss and feeling tires. Now I can't get out of bed, lethargic, extreme fatigue, tingling in my lips, hands and feet, stiffness and heaviness in my limbs, headaches and more. I noticed last night after I took my Prilosec I was much worse. My mother had an awful reaction to it and I believe this is what is making me sick.

  • KathyJune 5, 2010 at 2:50 am

    I have been taking Prilosec 20 mg for as long as it has been on the market. I woul have indigestion every ay if I didn't take it. Sure I have had some problems with absortion of iron and my Vitamin D is low, but considering all facts, I would still take Prilosec because I can't live with acid indigestion. I have a short esphosus because of acid eating away no doubt at my esphosus. All drugs h[Show More]I have been taking Prilosec 20 mg for as long as it has been on the market. I woul have indigestion every ay if I didn't take it. Sure I have had some problems with absortion of iron and my Vitamin D is low, but considering all facts, I would still take Prilosec because I can't live with acid indigestion. I have a short esphosus because of acid eating away no doubt at my esphosus. All drugs have some side affects, but I still say my quality of life is much better with Prilosec.

  • avaMay 27, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    i have been on prevacid for years i had to have a total knee joint replacment could that be from the medicine i am taking because i still take it i did not know about any of this till today should i quit taking this medcine????

  • JohnMay 27, 2010 at 7:46 pm

    I've been on prilosec for appx ten years or more, I'd have to check with my doctor. Maybe as long as 16. I've oftern gotten sick after eating and seem to have a lot of diareha. My acid refulx keeps getting worse and now I'm on two pills a day, for a total of 40 mg per day. If I miss a pill I will vomit astomach acid, nothing else seems to help. Has anyone tried something safer that works? Is ther[Show More]I've been on prilosec for appx ten years or more, I'd have to check with my doctor. Maybe as long as 16. I've oftern gotten sick after eating and seem to have a lot of diareha. My acid refulx keeps getting worse and now I'm on two pills a day, for a total of 40 mg per day. If I miss a pill I will vomit astomach acid, nothing else seems to help. Has anyone tried something safer that works? Is there any type of surgery?

  • kimMay 26, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    i have been taking prilosec for a long time.my memory is shot since i have been taking it.alot of diarrhea,and also headaches. plus i am getting alot of pain in my right leg joint,hard to sleep at night,keeps waking me up.i have heartburn all the time do not know what else to do.

  • patriciaMay 26, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    prilosec related hip fracture

  • TracyMay 16, 2010 at 9:06 am

    Wow i had no idea. I've been suffering from acid reflux for years and was prescribed the expensive medication nexium that i thought was making my days more enjoyable. I started having more heartburn and when i couldn't afford nexium anymore i took and over the counter which i had to take 2 doses of because it just wasn't working. Then i purchased prilosec i have heartburn all the time, for some re[Show More]Wow i had no idea. I've been suffering from acid reflux for years and was prescribed the expensive medication nexium that i thought was making my days more enjoyable. I started having more heartburn and when i couldn't afford nexium anymore i took and over the counter which i had to take 2 doses of because it just wasn't working. Then i purchased prilosec i have heartburn all the time, for some reason alot of problems with my short term memory and headaches. What am i supposed to do? Did these prescriptions cause me more harm then good. My reflux is already bad what am i to do about my reflux now? :( help

  • AriJanuary 22, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    My husband has had prescribed Prilosec for years. Recently has been having many awkward symptoms. Sever stomach problems, we presumed were the result of reoccurring food poisoning, he has lost a lot of hair, he is disillusioned and has slurred speech at times, dizzy, frequent headaches, poor judgment, pains all over his body like back aches and finger ache. He is starting to develop a tic in hi[Show More]My husband has had prescribed Prilosec for years. Recently has been having many awkward symptoms. Sever stomach problems, we presumed were the result of reoccurring food poisoning, he has lost a lot of hair, he is disillusioned and has slurred speech at times, dizzy, frequent headaches, poor judgment, pains all over his body like back aches and finger ache. He is starting to develop a tic in his neck and his lips. We are seeing a doctor this Sat to explore medically. We heard there might be some possibility of a correlation between his symptoms and the prilosec.

  • DonaldDecember 20, 2009 at 6:29 am

    My wife was recently on prilosec, and she seemed to have worse symptoms, especially when eating a ham we recently bought. Food poisining or something seemed to make her sick. I believe the prilosec to blame. I wish the doctor never prescribed it for her as it seems to be ruining her life.

  • SandraOctober 20, 2009 at 4:34 am

    Me Too. I have had to run away from a dinner table many times with an upset stomach and trying to figure out, what in the world was that. And like others, so many times it felt like food poisoning, but when I Inquire of others, their reactions, was no reaction to the food that we all ate. So please help me get to the bottom of my upset stomach, no matter what foods I eat. Use to it was when I [Show More]Me Too. I have had to run away from a dinner table many times with an upset stomach and trying to figure out, what in the world was that. And like others, so many times it felt like food poisoning, but when I Inquire of others, their reactions, was no reaction to the food that we all ate. So please help me get to the bottom of my upset stomach, no matter what foods I eat. Use to it was when I ate spicy and greasy foods, now it's whenever after eating whatever. My memory is horrible. I can't remember from one minute to the next or should I say one second to the next. I thought it was due to my stress and business of life. All the older people always reply that I'm too young for that, but I just disregarded what they were telling me.

  • walterOctober 14, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    i have taken this for a less 7 yrs and been sick off and on sents never knew this drug was causing it

  • JudyOctober 2, 2009 at 10:21 am

    I took prilosec for about 3 years .Can Prilosec cause grave disease, B-12 deficiency. What could happen when you are told that it was safe to take prilosec plus radio active iodine treatment for graves disease could my stomach acid been so low that the radio active iodine stayed in my stomach to long, now I have alot of stomach and intestinal problems.I also have B-12 deficiency with no intrinsic [Show More]I took prilosec for about 3 years .Can Prilosec cause grave disease, B-12 deficiency. What could happen when you are told that it was safe to take prilosec plus radio active iodine treatment for graves disease could my stomach acid been so low that the radio active iodine stayed in my stomach to long, now I have alot of stomach and intestinal problems.I also have B-12 deficiency with no intrinsic factor which I believe that means it wasn't inherited .I have been to numerous gastronlogist and primary doctors when I compained about stomach pain they increased my dosage which made my pain worse.All the doctor's said this medications wasn't causing my problems.

  • kenSeptember 7, 2009 at 10:42 am

    i to have been sick now after taking prilosec and nexium. constant diareah weight lose due to the fact that i have not been able to eat any normal foods since taking these medications. at one point i was down to only being able to eat certai frozen dinners but that was it. prior to using these medications i was able to eat any and everything i wanted.it has taken 3 yrs and countless tests--includi[Show More]i to have been sick now after taking prilosec and nexium. constant diareah weight lose due to the fact that i have not been able to eat any normal foods since taking these medications. at one point i was down to only being able to eat certai frozen dinners but that was it. prior to using these medications i was able to eat any and everything i wanted.it has taken 3 yrs and countless tests--including upper gi,2 endoscpies and a colonoscopy and am just now getting somewhat back to normal

  • CraigJuly 16, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    I had been taking Prilosec for around 15 years and have been extremely ill for about the last year. After bouncing around on other PPIs and making it worse I am now off of it and feeling much better. I now though have many polips in my stomach and still some ongoing stomach issues that I wonder if they are attributed to the long term use of Prilosec. One other thing I found on it was that it app[Show More]I had been taking Prilosec for around 15 years and have been extremely ill for about the last year. After bouncing around on other PPIs and making it worse I am now off of it and feeling much better. I now though have many polips in my stomach and still some ongoing stomach issues that I wonder if they are attributed to the long term use of Prilosec. One other thing I found on it was that it appeared to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar in teh 60s) which no doubt was complicating my issues.

  • DaveJuly 8, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    Me too. MANY instances of food poisoning and vomiting over the years.

  • toddJuly 7, 2009 at 2:48 am

    I have been on prilosec otc for a long time because i have gurd. this medicine reduced stomach acid but i have been vomiting a lot causing me to miss work a lot. i was experiencing heartburn and reflux so the doctor put me on prilosec otc after i had a predure done where they put a camera down my esophicus the test said my esophocus was normal. a year or two later i'm having the same problems bu[Show More]I have been on prilosec otc for a long time because i have gurd. this medicine reduced stomach acid but i have been vomiting a lot causing me to miss work a lot. i was experiencing heartburn and reflux so the doctor put me on prilosec otc after i had a predure done where they put a camera down my esophicus the test said my esophocus was normal. a year or two later i'm having the same problems but worse plus vomiting i go have that test done on my esophogus and its results changed from the last test this time they took byopies cause i had about 6 poylops and a spot that look like barretts esophogus ( a precurser to cancer). I feel that prilosec otc is the cause of these sysmptom i have plus the results from this last test were caused from the prilosec. what should i do?

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