Ranitidine . . . or not?

[farmergiles]

Hello. I've been taking Omeprazole for many years and recently suggested to my GP that this be changed for something else. She's prescribed Renitidine but having read various warnings I'm wondering if it is wise to make the change. I will, in any case, wait until a current bout of (suspected) diverticulitis subsides. This newbie would appreciate any comments.

[ivorlilacs666]

Hi, Are you actually able to get ranitidine? I was prescribed some on Friday by my GP but the pharmacist says it's no longer available. She phoned various chemists to see whether they had any old stock but they hadn't.

[FRreedman]

If you have been on Omeprazole for a long time, with no side effects, why do you want to change? I thought Ranitidine was the one that USA has now stopped using due to its side effects.

[Krn210 in reply to FRreedman]

You are correct. It is the one that they have pulled from the shelves here in the US.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi there, if you need help and support we are here. theibsnetwork.org We suggest you speak to your GP and/or pharmacist.

[farmergiles]

Thanks for your comments. Yes, my little local Boots produced it very quickly; they must have had it in stock. My GP said nothing about the current 'scare'. In answer to FReedman, I thought a change would be sensible after so long on the same thing; especially having read warnings that prolonged use of Omeprazole can lead to Barratt's oesophageal cancer (which is what a number of my cousins have died from or with)

[7eleven in reply to farmergiles]

The omeprazole protects the oesophagus from the damage caused by stomach acid. This damage can make the cells change, which leads to Barrett’s oesophagus.

Barrett’s is where the cells in the oesophagus change to be like stomach cells. These can (very rarely) become cancerous.

In other words, whilst omeprazole can have implications for the stomach in that it reduces stomach acid, it definitely doesn’t cause Barrett’s. It prevents it.

[FRreedman]

In view of the America decision, I, personally, will stick with the Omeprazole thanks.

[Stuart24]

The claims on ranitidine are very far fetched. It is to do with panic over nitrosamines but it's extremely unlikely to affect anyone. I still have some and I'll use them until they are finished. The 75 mg OTC tablets are fine, they recalled the 150 mg and 300 mg tablets as a precaution but you are far more likely to get nitrosamines from cooked foods. The risk is miniscule, compared to the much higher risk of eating processed meats containing nitrates and nitrites.

[GrannyAnne]

My GP told me that all Ranitidine has been recalled & is no longer being manufactured at present here in the UK. It is impossible to get any from anywhere. However this is not expected to last indefinitely!

[Matt51]

I've tried both and they didn't agree with me. I now take Cemetidine which I think maybe is an older drug but I find it's more agreable with my constitution!

[farmergiles]

Thanks everyone for your comments; all very interesting and thought provoking. I guess one of the very few advantages of getting older is that long term effects become less of a concern! I'll have another word with the pharmacist.

[Jasper8884]

I took ranitidine for a month as had ulcer then went back to omeprazole.