Probable Carcinogen in Zantac/Ranitidine

Anonymous

As many know, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause serious complications if it's left untreated. Those who have it usually take medicines like Zantac and ranitidine.

I've been taking ranitidine twice a day for more than five years. So it was no comfort to read on Sept 13th that the FDA warned about the Probable Carcinogen in Zantac.** The operative word, for me, is PROBABLE!

According to the statement, in part, "The FDA is not calling for individuals to stop taking ranitidine at this time;"

However, Cancer worries halt shipments of generic Zantac .

"Well, isn't that special?"

For those taking Zantac/ranitidine, it's time to have a good talk with our gastro doctor, and our oncologist.

** Please read this well written and researched article by breastcancer.org

Meow13

Thank you for posting this much better explanation than my local news.

Anonymous

They say that the levels of NDMA in ranitidine medicines are very low and that it's unlikely that this level of NDMA would increase your risk of developing cancer.

But what about the risks for those who already have cancer? They need to find out if continuing with the medicine can make things worse for us.

Anonymous

According to my pharmacy, two manufacturers who have recalled the Ranitidine are Apotex and Sandoz. Apotex recalled the tablets and Sandoz recalled their capsules. The manufacturer used to ship my medication is Amnea.

In any case, after speaking with my gastrologist, I stopped Ranitidine and she advised taking OTC famotidine 10mg until I see her.