So you may wonder if I am biased since we sell Ranitidine?
I actually have no agenda in telling you whether it is safe or not, or trying to convince you either way. I believe in giving people the facts and every other option, and having them decide for themselves. You can find a lot of information using Google, from the FDA website and articles from reputable sources. The information below is just facts, not my opinion. It is my hope for you to make an informed decision on whether or not to take Ranitidine (Original formula of Zantac).
There is a lot more detailed information on this subject which I may address in later articles. The information in this first article presents the basic facts, but ones that you may not be aware of.
There is a common myth that Ranitidine is now illegal. It is not, at least not in the USA. This recall, and every US FDA recall as far as OTC medicine goes, is strictly voluntary. This product actually is still an FDA approved medicine, they haven’t changed that status, which is why it is perfectly legal to buy and sell it. It very may well be back on shelves in a couple of years, that is the latest we’ve heard.
The recall in question is a class 2 recall which is that it may pose a slight threat. The substance in question is NDMA that was found in some brands, and according to the FDA is in quantities similar to what you’d find in smoked or cured or grilled meats. The FDA has a recommended upper limit as to intake of NDMA per day, and some of these tablets from some of these companies exceeded that. However, the FDA guidance for how much NDMA you should take in per day is based on lifetime (not short-term) exposures that may lead to increased risk of cancer, it’s not an immediate risk which is why it isn’t class 1 recall.
So there is potential long-term risk, the same reason why it’s advised not to eat too many foods with nitrites such as well-done grilled meats or beef jerky. If you feel uncomfortable with this, you might want to stop taking Ranitidine and look for a substitute antacid such as famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), or if those don’t work for you, continue to take Ranitidine until you find an alternative. Even though we also carry them, I do NOT recommend taking PPIs such as Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Omeprazole (Prilosec), and Esomeprazole (Nexium) long-term, as they are complete acid-blockers with potential negative side-effects with long-term use. Those medicines are indicated for short-term use, usually 14 days for simple reflux and up to 2 months at most for more serious conditions, as directed by your doctor. Again, we do offer these medicines because ultimately, it is up to you whether or not to take them and for how long. Many people need to take these medicines long-term, it is a simple matter of risk-analysis. The risk of not treating a serious condition might be far worse than the risk of side effects or the side effects themselves. That is not up to me, or any government agency. It’s up to you and your doctor.
My goal is to give people the option to buy Ranitidine online. People weren’t given this option when Ranitidine was pulled suddenly from shelves but it is still a widely popular and requested medicine. But your decision to use Ranitidine is all about assessing risk. For many, the short-term risk from conditions such as GERD Acid Reflux, ulcers, and Erosive Esophagitis is worse than the risk from taking Ranitidine or switching to a stronger PPI medicine. For many though, other mild acid reducers may work just as well for mild symptoms, so there is no reason to take the potential risk by continuing with Ranitidine. Tums, or Famotidine might be a great replacement, if you respond to those well. However, it should be up to YOU.
Benjamin
Life Sciences LLC