If you suddenly stop taking ranitidine, you may have withdrawal symptoms including dyspepsia (indigestion), rebound acid hyperproduction, or other symptoms related to the recurrence of acid production.
FDA Recall of Ranitidine
According to many organizations, such as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the chemical NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) is a known carcinogen. While originally produced as a research chemical for rocket fuel, all production ceased when testing discovered large amounts in the water, air, and soil samples near a rocket fuel production plant. Research indicates that NDMA increases the risk of certain types of cancer.
In the summer of 2019, when the Valisure laboratory detected that medication containing ranitidine had levels of NDMA, the United States Food and Drug Administration was alerted. Within just a few months, several pharmaceutical companies voluntarily recalled their medications containing ranitidine including Appco Pharma LLC, Northwind Pharmaceutical, and Sanofi Pharmaceutical. After additional research proved the correlation between ranitidine and NDMA, the FDA issued a national recall of all ranitidine-containing products, including Zantac, throughout the United States.
When Patients Suddenly Stop Taking Ranitidine
The FDA recall was announced, millions of Americans were unable to purchase Zantac and other medications containing ranitidine overnight. When any person suddenly stops taking ranitidine or any medication, there can be side effects and/or withdrawal symptoms. Some users of ranitidine and Zantac made the decision to complete the medication they had at home, however, ultimately, all ranitidine users had to stop taking the drug. If a patient made the decision to take a different medication that reduces or eliminates acid production such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), or omeprazole (Prilosec), they may not have developed any side effects or symptoms after stopping ranitidine. For those patients that did not seek the advice of a healthcare professional or physician regarding their acid reflux and inability to take ranitidine, many suffered the following symptoms and conditions listed below.
Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia is the medical term for indigestion. While indigestion can sound relatively minor, those suffering from severe dyspepsia after they suddenly stop taking ranitidine can suffer from serious pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, burping, nausea, and an overall feeling of discomfort. The American Journal of Gastroenterology research confirms that dyspepsia is a common occurrence following the withdrawal of ranitidine from a patient that had previously used this medication for acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.
Rebound Acid Hyperproduction
If a person suddenly stops taking ranitidine or Zantac, they may experience rebound acid hyperproduction, as confirmed through research done by the National Institutes of Health. This surge in acid production occurs following a long period of acid suppression due to an acid-suppressing medication such as ranitidine, or Zantac. Rebound acid hyperproduction can result in severe pain and discomfort, however, it is not considered life-threatening. It is important that any person that suffers from acid reflux, dyspepsia, heartburn, or gastrointestinal issues seek the advice of a healthcare provider as soon as possible to treat or manage their condition. If these types of medical conditions remain untreated over long periods of time, they may develop into more serious medical issues including Barrett’s Esophagus, ulcers, the occurrence of H. pylori bacteria, or even in some cases esophageal cancer.
Ranitidine Side Effects
It is important to note that there are side effects to Zantac that may actually go away once a person makes the decision to stop taking this medication that contains ranitidine. Some of the side effects that can occur with the consumption of ranitidine over time can include serious medical issues including atrioventricular block, bronchospasm, angioedema, pancytopenia, abnormal liver function tests, abnormal heart rhythm, decreased blood platelets, hallucinations, erythema multiforme, hepatitis, hemolytic anemia, interstitial nephritis, jaundice, and inflammation of the pancreas. Some of these side effects may resolve once a person no longer takes ranitidine.
Disposing of Ranitidine
If you made the decision to suddenly stop taking ranitidine when you discovered that there was a recall of this medication by the FDA, you may have some remaining Zantac or other ranitidine-containing medications in your home. If you make the decision to dispose of this medication, please visit the official FDA’s website to guide you on how to dispose of this medicine appropriately and safely.
How a Zantac Ranitidine Cancer Lawsuit Lawyer Can Help
If you developed any kind of serious medical condition or received a cancer diagnosis that you believe was caused by taking ranitidine or Zantac for your heartburn or acid reflux issues, call the legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 635-1144. We can help you understand how a Zantac ranitidine cancer lawsuit lawyer can help you with your case. Contact us today for a free consultation and to help you understand your legal options.