“明星胃药”奥美拉唑滥用隐患凸显 重点监控用药如何加强监管

Core Viewpoint - The misuse of the oral gastrointestinal drug "Omeprazole" has sparked significant discussion, highlighting the risks associated with its long-term or improper use, which can lead to health issues such as osteoporosis and vitamin deficiencies [1] Group 1: Drug Misuse and Accessibility - Omeprazole is widely available in both online and offline pharmacies without prescription requirements, raising concerns about its misuse [1][4] - In a survey conducted in Nanchang, pharmacies sold Omeprazole without requiring a prescription or limiting purchase quantities [3][4] - The ease of obtaining Omeprazole online, where electronic prescriptions can be generated quickly, further exacerbates the issue of misuse [6] Group 2: Health Risks of Misuse - Medical professionals warn that long-term use of Omeprazole can alter the stomach's environment, affecting the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12, potentially leading to osteoporosis [5][7] - Patients often misuse Omeprazole as a "universal stomach medication," taking it for minor discomforts without medical advice, which can disrupt the stomach's microecological balance and lead to other gastrointestinal diseases [5][7] Group 3: Regulatory Recommendations - Experts suggest enhancing drug misuse regulation through improved prescription management, including strict adherence to physician prescription authority and electronic prescription tracking [8] - There is a call for better retail control of non-prescription drugs and the establishment of a monitoring system to detect misuse early [8] - Public education on the distinction between "rational use" and "drug misuse" is essential to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction and improper medication use [8]