Was Zantac Over-Prescribed?
Here Are Some Alternatives:
Zantac, the popular heartburn medication and its generic ranitidine, was one of the most prescribed medications in the U.S. until the FDA asked manufacturers to pull the medication from the market in April of 2020. Last year, mail order pharmacy Valisure discovered that ranitidine could degrade over time or in less than optimal environmental conditions, producing N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a probable human carcinogen.Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion, occurs when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus doesn’t function properly. When the valve malfunctions, food and stomach acid can flow from the stomach into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation, sore throat, dry coughing, trouble swallowing, asthma symptoms, and a sour taste in the back of the mouth.With more than 15 million people a year taking Zantac for acid reflux, was this medication over-prescribed by doctors? The answer may be yes. For years manufacturers prescribed Zantac and Ranitidine as a safe and effective way to eliminate reflux, and doctors prescribed it in kind. But now manufacturers face more than 140 lawsuits, including a 200-person class action lawsuit in South Florida.
Medication Alternatives to Zantac
Some medication alternatives to Zantac include:
Talk to your doctor to see if one of these medications is a good alternative for you.
Alternatives to Medication
If you’d like to try more natural alternatives for your acid reflux, talk to your doctor about trying:
- Acupuncture;
- Melatonin;
- Relaxation;
- Hypnotherapy;
- Herbal remedies like chamomile and ginger root;
- Baking soda to neutralize stomach acid;
- Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, losing weight, wearing looser clothing, and elevating your head while sleeping.
You should see your doctor if you need to use over the counter remedies for more than two weeks or:
- You have a hard time swallowing;
- Your symptoms are causing chest pain;
- You have diarrhea or black stool;
- Your reflux causes nausea or vomiting.
If you believe that Zantac or compounded ranitidine has harmed you or someone you love, contact the Madeksho Law Firm at 888-910-6376 or through our online form. Your initial consultation is free, and you never pay a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
