Losec is a commonly prescribed treatment for heartburn. Developed and manufactured by AstraZeneca pharmaceutical company, this branded medicine is highly adept at inhibiting the further production of gastric acids within the stomach, thus effectively tackling a wide range of gastrointestinal problems including not only acid reflux, but also duodenal and stomach ulcers. If you are looking to buy Losec in the UK, you should also be aware that this medicine is available in two different forms – as standard capsules and as multiple unit pellet system, also known as MUPS.
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How can Losec help with heartburn?
As mentioned, Losec is highly efficient at tackling the symptoms of heartburn. But, first, let’s take a step back and take a look of what exactly causes heartburn, so we can explain how exactly Losec acts in the body.
Heartburn occurs when the acid from the stomach rises up to reach the oesophagus. In healthy individuals, this never happens because of a series of muscles located at the base of the oesophagus, the place where it connects to the stomach. These muscles called oesophageal sphincter act as a kind of a valve, allowing the food to reach the stomach, but closing afterwards to prevent the acids from getting out. Heartburn occurs in situations where additional pressure is placed on these muscles or if they are, for one reason or another, unable to contract fully, allowing the contents of the stomach to leak into the oesophagus. As a result, the characteristic burning sensation in the chest and throat will occur, with inflammation and damage accompanying those more severe cases.
Losec’s high success rates rely on its active ingredient, a proton pump inhibitor called omeprazole. As the name implies, this compound inhibits the activity of so-called proton pumps which are located within the cells of the stomach lining and tasked with producing the gastric acid that helps in the process of food digestion. By lowering the amount of acid produced, Losec can efficiently decrease the symptoms of GORD, including heartburn, similarly to some other similar drugs on the market, including Lansoprazole.
Losec in helicobacter pylori treatment
Aside for its use in the treatment of GORD, Losec is also commonly prescribed alongside antibiotics for the treatment of a bacterial infection caused by helicobacter pylori. As this infection has been known to cause stomach ulcers when left untreated, decreasing the amount of acid present within the stomach is a high priority for the treatment. So, while the antibiotics will tackle the infection itself, Losec will buy them time to fight off the bacteria before they cause issues with ulcers by decreasing the levels of stomach acid.
Can I buy Losec online in the UK?
Yes, it is possible to buy Losec online, however, you should keep in mind that this medicine can be obtained in the UK only with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional. So, if you opt to go through an online clinic, you will be required to either provide the proof of your prescription or obtain one following online consultations with a doctor employed at the online clinic of your choice. If everything is in order, your pack of Losec will be sent to the address you provided and delivered within the timespan specified by the company’s business model and policy.
How to use Losec?
When using this medicine, it is important to always closely follow the instructions provided by your prescriber. That way you will be able to optimise the results of the treatment while at the same time minimising the risk of side effects. If you have any questions regarding the use of Losec, it is very important to contact your doctor prior to commencing treatment and get the answer. Finally, if you need a quick recap at any point, you can always read through the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the Losec.
- Always take exactly as prescribed
- The usual dose for heartburn treatment is on 10mg tablet per day
- If the condition has already caused damage to the oesophageal tract, a higher dose of 20 or 40mg might be prescribed, depending on the severity of the treatment
- The usual duration of the treatment is 4-8 weeks
- When used for the treatment of stomach ulcers, the dose will be customised by the doctor to match the specifics of your condition
- If you are using the tablet form, be sure to take them whole with water, without chewing or breaking
- The MUPS variant of Losec can be opened with the pellets being either swallowed or dispersed in liquid before being consumed
- Be careful to never exceed the prescribed amount
- If you forget a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember, provided that it’s not time for the next dose yet – if it is, simply skip the missed dose and carry on with the treatment as usual
- Never try to compensate for the missed doses by doubling on the next one
Please keep in mind that the steps outlined here are not intended to be used as a guide for Losec treatment. They serve the purpose of an example that can help you get a better understanding of what Losec treatment might involve.
What are Losec side effects?
As all prescription medications, Losec can also cause certain side effects in people susceptible to them. This is why it is important to learn about potential adverse effects as much as possible prior to commencing treatment so you can act accordingly if any do manifest.
You should pay special attention for signs of a potential allergic reaction, severe skin problems or hepatitis – these will require you to immediately halt treatment and seek medical attention.
Other side effects include:
Common (1 in 10 users) | Uncommon (1 in 100 users) | Rare (1 in 1000 users) |
· Headache
· Diarrhoea · Stomach pain · Constipation · Flatulence · Nausea |
· Swelling of the feet
· Insomnia · Dizziness · Pins · Needles · Sleepiness · Vertigo · Rash |
· Allergic reaction
· Low sodium levels · Mood swings · Sense of taste change · Dryness of the mouth · Thrush · Liver problems · Hair loss · Sensitivity to light · Muscle pains |
Please keep in mind that this is not a full list of all documented side effects – for a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.