Will acid reducing drugs be needed long term?

In a few patients in whom the ulcer is not due to Helicobacter pylori, or when it proves impossible to eradicate H pylori, these drugs need to be continued on a long-term basis to prevent relapse.

What are the main side effects of ulcer treatment drugs?

Acid reducing drugs have been in use for nearly 30 years and they are amongst the safest of all prescribed drugs. Some may cause diarrhoea in a few patients and the antibiotics used to treat H pylori can cause sickness and diarrhoea, but most people are able to complete the seven day course without problems.

Will an operation be needed?

Because medical treatment is so effective surgery is not needed except in a rare emergency when ulcers bleed or perforate.

What can I do to help myself?

• Try to take the tablets as directed and complete the course.

• Do not take aspirins and NSAIDs if possible, and use paracetamol for pain relief.


• Remind doctors of your medical history if they suggest taking aspirin or NSAIDs, because safer alternatives are now available.

• Don’t smoke.

Do peptic ulcers turn into cancer?

No

What further research is needed?

We still don’t fully understand why only a small proportion of people with H pylori infection get ulcers, although because the level of H pylori infection in the population is gradually falling, this is becoming less of a problem. More research is needed into safe alternatives to aspirin and NSAIDs, and into better ways of detecting ulceration without endoscopy.