Ranitidine (Zantac) - Doctors told to stop prescribing some types

[helvella]

Although not directly related to thyroid, I suspect a number of members have been prescribed Ranitidine (Zantac). It is for them, and simply to achieve widespread appreciation of this issue that I am posting this:

UK doctors are being told to stop prescribing four types of a heartburn medication called Zantac or ranitidine as a "precautionary measure".

It follows concern in several countries that products may contain an impurity that has been linked to cancer.

The four being recalled are Zantac 150mg/10ml Syrup, Zantac 50mg/2ml Injection, Zantac 150mg Tablets and Zantac 300mg Tablets.

But patients should keep taking their prescribed medicine, officials advise.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) says the health risk of discontinuing the medicine is higher than the potential risk presented by the contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Anyone who is concerned about taking their medication should speak to their doctor or pharmacist.

bbc.co.uk/news/health-49977829

[Singoutloud]

Thanks for bringing attention to this helvella

This is indeed very worrying.

My son (15) was prescribed the syrup after a TOF repair operation at birth. He was taking it 3 times a day until he was about 10.

I blame this for his inability to absorb b12 from food but also feel it has some bearing on his UAT.

He is automatically at an increased risk of oesophageal cancer because of the Tof and now the risk is increased again

Unfortunately 1 in 3500 babies suffering the same defect depend on this medication without question