Many of us have a pill that comes to mind when we have a heartburn, a heartburn, or, as we all know, gastritis. Maybe you have used it too. Many people know it by the brand name 'Zantac'. This Zantac contained a medicinal compound called Ranitidine. But did you know that this very popular drug has now been completely removed from the market in many countries around the world? So today we will talk about what this Ranitidine is, why it was banned, and what to do if you still have this medicine.
What kind of medicine is Ranitidine?
Simply put, Ranitidine is a medicine that controls the production of acid in our stomach. It belongs to the group of medicines called ``Antihistamines''. But this is different from the antihistamines we take for colds and itching. This works only on the histamine receptors in the walls of the stomach.
Think of it like you have a valve in your stomach that makes acid. What Ranitidine does is turn off that valve a little bit and control the acid coming out. This is why,
- Heal ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
- Reduce the pain and discomfort caused by these injuries.
- Control heartburn from acid reflux.
Doctors recommended this medicine to treat conditions like this.
Most importantly: Why was Ranitidine taken off the market?
This is the most important part of this article. During 2019-2020, several international organizations, including the US FDA, one of the world's leading food and drug authorities, conducted tests on Ranitidine.
These tests found that some Ranitidine products, especially when they are stored, can form a potentially carcinogenic residue (known as `N-Nitrosodimethylamine` or `NDMA`).
Although this chemical, NDMA, can be found in small amounts in the environment and in some foods, its high levels in a medicine are very harmful to health. Because of this risk, authorities around the world decided to remove all medicines containing Ranitidine from the market, out of concern for consumer safety .
This means that if you still have Ranitidine tablets or syrup, you should stop using them completely.
What if I was using this medicine?
First of all, don't panic. If you've been using this medication for a short period of time, it's unlikely that you'll have any major health problems. But the most important thing is to see your doctor right away and talk about this.
If you have been prescribed this medication for a long time by a doctor for gastritis, stomach ulcers, or another medical condition, do not stop taking it suddenly. See your doctor and tell him that you have been taking Ranitidine. He or she will then prescribe you a safer alternative (such as Famotidine, Omeprazole, or Esomeprazole) that works similarly to Ranitidine but does not have the same risks as previously mentioned .
Things to tell your doctor before taking any medicine
Even though Ranitidine is no longer available, it is very important to tell your doctor your complete health information before using a replacement or any other medication.
| Information you need to provide | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Other diseases you have (e.g. kidney, liver disease) | Many medications are filtered out of the body by the kidneys and liver. If these organs are not working properly, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted. |
| Rare diseases like porphyria | Some medications can aggravate these types of diseases. |
| Allergies to other medications or foods | If you are allergic to a certain type of medication, you may also be allergic to another medication in the same class. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | Many medications can affect the baby in the womb, so it's important to choose a safe medication. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Some medications can pass to the baby through breast milk, so it's important to inform your doctor about this. |
| Other medications and vitamins you are taking | Some medications can interact with each other and cause side effects or increase or decrease the effectiveness of the medication. |
Other things to keep in mind while taking medication
Symptoms of a bleeding wound
If you are taking medication for gastritis, you need to be especially aware of this.
- If your stools turn pitch black
- Or if you vomit something like coffee grounds.
If you have any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of bleeding from a stomach or intestinal ulcer. If this happens, don't delay, see a doctor immediately or go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
Lifestyle changes
Smoking and drinking alcohol can further damage the stomach lining, delaying the healing of gastritis. They can also increase inflammation in the chest. So, stay away from these things as much as possible while taking the medication.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
When used for a long time, stomach acid-reducing medications (such as Ranitidine and its substitutes) can reduce the body's absorption of vitamin B12. Talk to your doctor about this and get the necessary advice.
Overdose
If you accidentally take more than the recommended dose of any medicine , it can be dangerous. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- The drug Ranitidine (known as Zantac) has now been completely removed from the market because it may contain a substance that could pose a cancer risk.
- If you still have these pills, stop using them and dispose of them properly.
- Don't worry about this, but see your doctor to find a suitable, safe alternative medicine for your gastritis or other medical condition.
- Do not use any medication, especially prescription medication, without the advice of a doctor.
- When you take medication, it is essential to inform your doctor about your other medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
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