Ranitidine

[Kazzie68]

Hi all. Pharmacy say Ranitidine has been discontinued due to possible carcinogen risks. Can I go cold turkey or should I reduce dose gradually? I have been taking this for some time to counter any effects of dispersible aspirin and previously ticagrelor. I’m due to speak with GP next week to see if an alternative is necessary but in the mean time I’m loathed to continue taking it. Thanks in advance x

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Your pharmacy may be able to offer you an over-the-counter alterative. For instance Nexium might be suitable but do ask rather than self prescribe.

[Kazzie68 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael, my pharmacy said to speak to my GP which I will next week, I have about 2wks of ranitidine left but now feel reluctant to take them. It’s frustrating as I asked GP several months ago about a recall in the US and was told not to worry and carry on taking them yet I now see online this recall process appears to have begun here some time ago yet GP carried on prescribing them?

[Qualipop in reply to Kazzie68]

Another two weeks won't harm you. Even if reports are true ( and it has not been proven) you'd need to take it for years to have any bad effects. Note, even in the USA they are still only saying "Possible" cancer risks.

[Kazzie68 in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks, it’s been almost 3 years so like you say, another couple of weeks won’t hurt x

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Kazzie68]

The withdrawal of Ranitidine has been far from straightforward. Initially only some batches were withdrawn because of contamination. This then extended to some manufacturers. It then turned out that it could be unstable if stored at high temperatures, e.g. 30C in car/van parked in summer sun. The decision to totally withdraw it was only made it April.

[Qualipop in reply to MichaelJH]

Yes and it's still only been done on a "We think there's a problem". As far as I've found out here's still no absolute proof. Why on earth don't they make sure alternatives are available before they panic and ban things?

[Qualipop in reply to Kazzie68]

Had to sort mine today. The only chemist that buys big stocks has just 30 boxes left. Most chemists are taking them off the shelves even when they have them but this one will still give them out but I had to ring my GP to get 3 months worth to allow time for the alternatives to come back into stock because they are all sold out. Why don't they make sure there are alternatives before they take things off? Stupid. The alternatives are cimetidine, famotidine and nizatadine. My chemist had just 15 boxes of the last one but nothing else. Cetirizine is supposed to be back within a month. I'm allergic to PPIs so I really need one of the alternatives.

[EMBoy in reply to Qualipop]

Did you mean cimetidine? Cetirizine is an antihistamine and there is plenty available.

[Qualipop in reply to EMBoy]

Yes sorry I did. i will edit and correct it. LOL, I also corrected all he missing letter Ts. My keyboard's sticking.

[Hidden]

Hi. NEVER just stop taking a prescribed medication unless you have an identifiable bad reaction to it. The difference one week will make is minuscule. Many GPs do online and telephone consultation now so, unless your GP wants to give you a complete check up before changing your meds (very possible), these might be a faster option if available.

[Kazzie68 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, will carry on as normal until I have advice from GP x

[Qualipop]

I'm continuing with it just as long as possible and pharmacies have it in stock because I have no alternative. I'm allergic to PPIs but aspirin without protection crucifies my stomach. GP doesn't know what to give me.

[Kazzie68]

An update. After speaking to GP, I was told that all drugs in the Ranitidine class are unavailable now and that all drugs in the Omeprazole class would potentially have same reason I don’t want to take Omeprazole! Choice I’m left with is take drug from Omeprazole class or take nothing and hope aspirin doesn’t cause stomach irritation. I’m going to stick with the latter option for now and see how I get on, fingers crossed!