Lansoprazole can have some side effects but not everybody that takes it will get them. There are some serious but rare side effects that mean you must go to A&E or call 999 straight away. This includes:
- a very severe skin reaction, such as skin loss, blistering, reddening or severe inflammation
- inflammation of your liver, you may get yellowing of your skin or eyes
- angioedema, which includes difficulty breathing, swollen face or tongue, and difficulty swallowing
- severe allergic reaction, which includes rash, drop in blood pressure, and swelling
Common side effects include:
- dizziness
- headache
- diarrhoea, stomach pain, or constipation
- nausea or vomiting (feeling or being sick)
- dry, sore mouth or throat
- tiredness
- benign polyps (noncancerous growths) in your stomach
- skin rash or itching
Uncommon side effects include:
- changes in your blood cell counts
- depression
- joint or muscle pain
- swelling or fluid retention
- fractures of your spine, wrist, or hip
Rare side effects include:
- fever
- drowsiness, confusion, restlessness, insomnia, vertigo, or hallucinations
- change in taste
- skin reactions
- sensitivity to light
- loss of appetite
- glossitis, an inflammation of your tongue
- pancreatitis
- hair loss
- trembling
- paraesthesia, a feeling of ants creeping over your skin
- anaemia, which may cause paleness
- breast swelling in males
- impotence
- candidiasis, which is a fungal infection
Very rare side effects include:
- changes in your blood tests
- colitis, which is bowel inflammation
- inflammation of your mouth
- a reduction in white blood cells, which can reduce how well your body fights off infection
Why does lansoprazole cause stomach pain?
Lansoprazole can cause benign polyps, which could cause pain in your stomach. If you get stomach pain that does not go away whilst taking lansoprazole, speak with your doctor. You can reduce this by taking it with a full glass of water.
Does lansoprazole cause weight gain?
Lansoprazole is not known to cause weight gain. Some patients have reported weight gain, which may be caused by kidney problems. This is not listed as a side effect because there are other symptoms of kidney problems, including swelling, blood in your urine, and fever.
Can lansoprazole cause constipation?
Yes, lansoprazole can cause constipation and is listed as one of the side effects.
What to do if you get lansoprazole side effects
If you get a severe allergic reaction or serious side effects, you must go to A&E straight away. For any milder side effects, see if these go away after your body gets used to the treatment. You can treat many side effects at home, such as:
- avoiding spicy or rich foods to help with nausea (feeling sick)
- drinking plenty of water, taking over the counter painkillers, and not drinking too much alcohol if you get headaches
- eating smaller and more frequent meals, or using a hot water bottle to reduce stomach pains
- drinking small sips of water to reduce dehydration and speaking to your doctor if you get diarrhoea and vomiting (being sick) that does not go away
- exercising regularly, drinking water, and eating high fibre foods, such as cereals, fruits, and vegetables if you get constipation
- avoiding alcohol with this medicine if you feel tired or dizzy
If you get side effects that bother you too much, speak with your doctor.
What are the side effects of long term use of lansoprazole?
If you take lansoprazole for over 3 months, it can make the levels of magnesium in your blood go down. Low magnesium can cause symptoms such as:
- irregular heartbeat
- tiredness
- confusion
- dizziness
- muscle twitches
- shakiness
If you get any of these symptoms whilst taking lansoprazole, speak with your doctor who may do a blood test.
If you take lansoprazole for over a year, this could increase the chances of other side effects, including:
- infections of your gut
- bone fractures
- vitamin B12 deficiency, with symptoms such as sore or red tongue, mouth ulcers, and feeling very tired
Back to top