Those prescribed lansoprazole could encounter a range of side effects, some of which may signal a serious condition. Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, akin to omeprazole, and is commonly used to manage variousstomach-related conditions, including heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and stomach ulcers.

It aids in treating symptoms of these conditions by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. The medication, which is only available on prescription, typically comes in capsule or tablet form.

When prescribed lansoprazole, you'll usually be advised to take it once or twice daily, often 30 minutes before eating a meal or snack for optimal results. The dosage will vary depending on your needs and medical condition.

While lansoprazole can be an effective treatment for various stomach conditions, it also carries a broad range of side effects. Some of these side effects may even be severe enough that you will need to contact a doctor or dial 111 as they could indicate a more serious condition, according to NHS guidance.

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Serious side effects of taking lansoprazole include:

• Itchy red skin rash and joint pain, which could indicate a condition known as subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, which could be a sign of an inflamed bowel
• Stomach pain that gets worse, which could indicate an inflamed liver or pancreas

It's vital to recognise that these serious adverse reactions are exceptionally uncommon for people taking lansoprazole, usually affecting fewer than one in 1,000 patients. Should you have worries about taking lansoprazole or its related side effects, it's typically advised to speak with a pharmacist or your GP for additional advice.

Although these adverse effects may be serious, they generally won't require a 999 emergency call. Nevertheless, you might need to dial 999 if you display any of the following symptoms, some of which could suggest a severe allergic reaction to lansoprazole:

• Tight feeling in the throat
• Struggling to swallow
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up
• Very fast breathing
• Struggling to breathe or feeling like you're gasping for air
• Sudden confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness
• Sudden swelling of lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Skin, lips, or tongue turn blue, pale, or grey

Further information about Lansoprazole's side effects and how to manage them can be found on the NHS website here.