When you stop taking Zantac, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Some of the symptoms you used to have related to heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux may return, and in some cases, people may experience rebound acid hyperproduction.
Zantac and Ranitidine
If you, or someone you love, took the over the counter (OTC) medication Zantac, then you likely know that it was a medication intended to relieve acid indigestion, sour stomach, heartburn, and any related symptoms associated with those conditions. Zantac is simply the OTC name for the drug ranitidine, which is an H2 blocker that blocks a certain chemical in the body that relates to acid production.
Federal Drug Administration Recall of Zantac
Several agencies throughout the world have classified a chemical known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) as a carcinogen including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. NDMA was a chemical used in the production of rocket fuel, and later discovered to have cancer-causing properties. Research from Harvard Medical School determined a causal link between NDMA and certain cancers such as gastric, colorectal, and kidney cancer.
In 2019 when a laboratory discovered that ranitidine could react with itself over time to produce NDMA, several major pharmaceutical companies such as Appco Pharma LLC, Northwind Pharmaceutical, and Sanofi Pharmaceutical voluntarily recalled their medications that contained ranitidine. Then, after continued research, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a mandatory recall of Zantac products, as well as all ranitidine-containing medications throughout the United States.
For a free legal consultation with a What Happens When You Stop Taking Zantac? Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 635-1144
Understand What Happens When You Stop Taking Zantac
After the recall of Zantac by the FDA, millions of Americans found that they were unable to find Zantac on the shelves. Some may have continued to take a remaining supply that they had at home, however, at some point, all Zantac users had to quit medication for their acid reflux and heartburn completely or move to a different type of medication. For those who visited a healthcare provider during this time and received different medication to control or suppress symptoms of acid reflux, indigestion, and heartburn, they may not have experienced any side effects. However, many people were unable to obtain a doctor’s appointment in time to prevent withdrawal symptoms and side effects from occurring after stopping Zantac medications. The following are some types of withdrawal symptoms that may occur to some users that stopped taking Zantac.
Rebound Acid Hyperproduction
One of the common withdrawal symptoms when a person stops taking Zantac is rebound acid hyperproduction. As the name indicates, when the medication that controls acid production is completely stopped, sometimes a person will experience a rebound effect with an increase in acid production. If a person does not take a different type of medication, such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), esomeprazole (Nexium), or omeprazole (Prilosec), the acid production can reach higher levels than normal due to a rebounding phase of acid production.
While rebound acid hyperproduction is not life-threatening, it can be painful and uncomfortable. Acid can burn the esophagus, or cause abdominal pain, nausea, or another discomfort. If acid production remains untreated, and it remains chronic, over time it could lead to a greater risk of development of ulcers, Barrett’s Esophagus, H. pylori bacterial infections or even esophageal cancer. If you experience rebound acid hyperproduction after you stop taking Zantac, you should visit a medical professional or your healthcare provider to determine the best steps to get your acid production under control and manageable.
Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
The National Institutes of Health and the American Journal of Gastroenterology both indicate that one of the most common withdrawal symptoms for patients that stop taking Zantac include the occurrence of dyspepsia. Dyspepsia is the medical term for indigestion, and while this may sound like a minor issue, indigestion can actually be quite uncomfortable and include bloating, burping, nausea, and abdominal pain. If you stopped taking Zantac and experienced indigestion or any of these symptoms, you should visit your healthcare professional to help you determine what other types of acid-reducing medications are right for you.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Zantac? Lawyer Near Me (800) 635-1144
How a Zantac Ranitidine Cancer Lawsuit Lawyer Can Help
You may experience withdrawal symptoms or side effects after you stop taking Zantac. However, if you received a diagnosis of cancer that you believe relates to your usage of Zantac or other ranitidine medications, contact the legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 635-1144. Our legal team can help you understand how a Zantac ranitidine cancer lawsuit lawyer may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries and losses. Call us today for a free consultation and to help you understand your legal options.
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