ITV's resident doctor and NHS GP Dr Amir Khan warned anyone using a widely prescribed medication called omeprazole about the rules around its use. The drug is commonly given to people experiencing excess stomach acid, which can lead to issues such as heartburn, acid reflux and stomach ulcers, amongst other conditions.

Omeprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). It works to alleviate symptoms and allows damaged digestive tissue time to heal.

Complete symptom relief may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks of consistent use, depending on what's being treated. Long-term use of omeprazole is generally considered safe for certain health conditions when prescribed by a doctor. However, there are potential risks associated with extended use, particularly as it can reduce the level of stomach acid in your body over prolonged periods.

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Taking to his Instagram account recently, where he routinely shares informative and educational health content, Dr Amir Khanalerted his 788,000 followers about the dangers of prolonged medication use. In the caption, he wrote: "All meds can have possible side effects. Here are some things you need to know and what to do."

In the accompanying video, first posted late last year but whose advice is still relevant today, he explained: "Lots of people are on medication, and for the vast majority, they do a world of good. But sometimes they can bring side effects you might not have expected. So I'm going to share three common ones and, more importantly, what you can do about them.

"But always remember, don't just stop your medication suddenly. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist if you have any concerns."

He went on: "The first ones are PPIs, proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole or lanzaprazole. People use them for acid reflux, heartburn, those kinds of symptoms. They're brilliant for settling acid.

"But long-term use can mean your body absorbs less vitamin B12, magnesium and calcium. That can leave some people feeling tired or at risk of weaker bones. You don't need to panic, but if you've been on them for a while, it might be worth checking your vitamin levels.

"But make sure your diet is rich in green leafy vegetables, nuts and dairy. Sometimes you can reduce the dose if your symptoms are well controlled, always while speaking to your GP. And you might be able to use them on and off instead of all the time. Always speak to your GP first."

Taking omeprazole over an extended period can disrupt how your body takes in vital nutrients. This could result in a shortage of vitamin B12, potentially leading to nerve problems, mental fog, and light-headedness.

It may also deplete magnesium levels - a condition called hypomagnesemia - leaving you feeling exhausted, experiencing muscle spasms, an erratic heartbeat, or in severe cases, seizures. There's also the danger of developing iron and calcium deficiencies, which can negatively impact bone health and various bodily functions.

Extended use of omeprazole may heighten susceptibility to infections as well. Reduced stomach acid levels, which typically help eliminate harmful bacteria, could raise the likelihood of contracting Clostridioides difficile (C.diff) infection – a severe intestinal condition causing extreme diarrhoea.

Research indicates a potential short-term elevated risk of pneumonia, though long-term evidence remains inconclusive. Bone fractures present another concern.

Prolonged usage, particularly for a year or longer at high doses, has been associated with increased fracture risk in the hip, wrist, or spine, probably resulting from diminished calcium absorption.

Additionally, there's an elevated risk of kidney complications, with long-term use being linked to a greater probability of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, stomach growths such as fundic gland polyps – typically benign formations on the stomach lining – may develop with extended use.