My son has been taking prilosec otc for last four years - he is 22. Has had all tests done - all okay - told him to eat better - of course 4 years of college food doesnt help. But my question is - is it okay to take this med. everyday for such a long time - can he keep on taking it.

Hello Ciarra.....No it is not OK to take Prilosec OTC for 4 years. That is a long time. All PPI's ( Proton Pump Inhibitors) are not "risk free". He should be re-evaluated by a Gastroeneterologist to determine whether he should remain on this medeication. Why was he put on it in the first place?

There is no research to say that it could have adverse effects on your health. But we only have research from 3 to 20 years on them on the PPIs out. There is evidence that it caused carcinoid stomach tumors in rats. People aren't rats though. He is a bit young to have taken it already for so long. If it is helping him I don't see why he should stop. Other options are surgery. I have been on Prilosec and Protonix for years. There are however risks to what acid can lead to. I'd rather take my chances then let acid cause more. He can make lifestyle changes if needed such as losing weight, avoid foods that irritate his GERD, raise the head of his bed, etc.