Ranitidine used to be commonly found primarily under the brand name of Zantac. Zantac has been removed from the U.S. marketplace by the FDA due to contamination associated with the active ingredient ranitidine. Ranitidine in storage partially degrades into the chemical n-nitrosodimethylamine, which is a known carcinogen and has caused multiple types of cancer in clinical studies.
FDA Removal of Ranitidine Products
In April of 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a statement requesting all pharmaceuticals producing ranitidine products to cease production immediately and voluntarily remove their ranitidine products from the U.S. marketplace. Since then, the FDA has essentially blocked any new products containing ranitidine from being put on the market.
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
The problems with ranitidine arise from contamination with n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a carcinogen that researchers linked to multiple types of cancer. Originally, scientists thought NDMA would only contaminate ranitidine through improper storage, but further clinical studies show that it can be generated by ranitidine in any storage conditions. The FDA now recommends safely disposing of any ranitidine products.
Serious Side Effects
Even without the presence of the carcinogen n-nitrosodimethylamine, ranitidine products have shown severe side effects in some cases. These can be potentially life-threatening and should be taken seriously.
1 – Inflammation of the Liver
One of the side effects of ranitidine products that do not include NDMA is a dangerous inflammation of the liver. Watch for signs of liver problems like jaundice, tiredness, and dark urine.
2 – Changes in Brain Function
Ranitidine can cause altered brain functions in some patients. Watch out for agitation, depression, general confusion, and even hallucinations.
3 – Abnormal Heart Rate
Another dangerous side effect of Zantac is heart rate issues. A quickened heart rate and abnormal beat can leave you short of breath or fatigued.
Types of Cancer Ranitidine May Cause
Even when stored under the best of circumstances, ranitidine products can develop NDMA contamination. These are the three types of cancer that researchers found to have a connection to NDMA. Other types of cancer may be possible, but due to the demonstrable dangers, most research has ceased using these risky chemicals.
If you have taken Zantac or any ranitidine products, it is recommended you contact a Zantac lawsuit lawyer and seek medical attention. It can be hard to diagnose cancer and even harder to pay for treatment.
4 – Bladder Cancer
As ranitidine flows through the urinary system, bladders can develop cancerous cells due to the NDMA. Early warning signs of bladder cancer include unexplained changes in bladder habits, pain in the lower back, and being unable to urinate.
5 – Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is difficult to spot in many patients because its symptoms are shared by many other common stomach problems. If you have taken ranitidine products like Zantac and have any unexplained or undiagnosed stomach symptoms, you should seek a professional medical opinion. Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and pain in the abdomen are all early warning sides that something foul may be developing in your stomach.
6 – Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is another insidious form of cancer that can be hard to see coming. This hidden, life-changing disease is one of the main reasons that people who have taken ranitidine products should
Dangerous Interactions
Ranitidine products like Zantac can have interactions with other medications that increase your risk of side effects.
7 – Procainamide
Procainamide is a medication for cardiac arrhythmias. Procainamide and ranitidine have a negative interaction that can worsen procainamide’s side effects.
8 – Warfarin
Warfarin is a common blood thinner. Taking warfarin and ranitidine at the same time can increase your odds of bleeding or blood clots.
9 – Midazolam / Triazolam
This pair of compounds are commonly found under the brand name Versed and is used to induce sleep in a variety of situations. Combining either of these with ranitidine can cause long-lasting extreme drowsiness.
10 – Glipizide
Glipizide is usually prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. Doctors try not to prescribe glipizide and ranitidine at the same time because the interaction can quickly lower blood sugar to dangerous levels.
About the Author
Samantha Alvord is a legal expert and a passionate writer who works tirelessly to inform people about the field of personal injury, her area of specialty. She has a talent for making complex legal concepts accessible to the public. It is Samantha’s goal to present a clear and structured piece to the reader, which can easily be used as a guide to solving legal matters
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