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Prilosec Warnings and Precautions

To ensure a safe treatment process, it is important to be aware of the risks of taking Prilosec. Warnings and precautions to be aware of with the medication include potential drug interactions, the safety of taking the drug while pregnant or breastfeeding, and being aware that the symptoms of ulcers and heartburn are similar to those of stomach cancer. Prilosec is not suitable for everyone; you should not take Prilosec if you are allergic to any of the ingredients used to make the medicine.

 

Prilosec: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Prilosec® (omeprazole) if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
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Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
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Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Specific Prilosec Warnings and Precautions

Some of the warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Prilosec include the following:
 
 
  • Some of the symptoms of GERD, heartburn, and ulcers are similar to the symptoms of stomach cancer. Just because Prilosec helps your symptoms does not rule out the possibility of stomach cancer.
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  • Tell your healthcare provider if you have liver disease, as Prilosec is generally not recommended for those with severe liver problems.
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  • Prilosec can interact with other medications (see Prilosec Interactions).
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  • Prilosec is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means Prilosec may not be safe for use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Prilosec during pregnancy (see Prilosec and Pregnancy).
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  • Prilosec passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Prilosec and Breastfeeding).
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(Prilosec Warnings and Precautions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;