Omeprazole for pain relief

[9amTrain]

Am I wrong in thinking that omeprazole has nothing to do with pain? A friend has been prescribed this for currently undiagnosed severe pain (potentially arthritis or ovary problems) in her hip.

It seems a strange thing to prescribe? I've told her to double check when she sees her GP, but anyone else think it's weird? I thought it's literally just for excess acid production and nothing else?

Sometimes if prescribed a NSAID - ibuprofen or similar, Drs also prescribe omeprazole or similar to protect the stomach. NSAIDs are quite hard on the stomach.

Is she taking naproxen or diclofenac? We often prescribe it along side to offer gastro protection whilst taking powerful anti inflammatory medication.

Thanks for the replies, I think it's just co-codamol in addition to the omeprazole. Would that be why?

Oh yes naproxen too! That answers my question then!

Thanks :)

Does your friend not understand what the Omeprazole is for? She should understand what she is taking and why, so if she thinks it is for pain relief she needs to have her medication explained to her more clearly.

I take i take it along side other medication for arthritis. It's not a painkiller but often taken alongside painkillers to offer gastro protection.

@SharpLily no she doesn't think it's for pain relief and it wasn't explained to her, which is why I told her to double check but seems normal if she's on Naproxen :)

"it wasn't explained to her"

That's a shame. Any good doctor would have told her what the different drugs were and what they are for. Being nosy, I would have asked if I had been in her shoes.

My husband has it related to acid production and reflux. I would suggest your friend pops to a pharmacy, they are good at explaining medicines and will be able to help without needing to wait for an appointment with the doctor.

It is perfectly normal with Naproxen but the point is that she should be informed about that and know exactly what any medicine she takes does for her and why she is taking it. It sounds like you are being a good friend by checking for/with her.