The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the public to clean out ranitidine medications (common brand, Zantac) from their cabinets. Check and get rid of ranitidine/Zantac. People with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) popularly use this medication. Others take ranitidine/Zantac for various stomach acid-related conditions.
Unsafe levels of a potential cancer-causing contaminant known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) has been detected in ranitidine. Check your medication cabinets and that of your loved ones, and clean out all forms of ranitidine/Zantac. If your physician prescribed your ranitidine/Zantac, promptly contact him/her for alternative treatment.
Due to the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19, there may be delays in receiving alternate treatment or medication to replace your ranitidine/Zantac. If you have issues with acid reflux or heart burn, consider these helpful tips at home to find some relief while you wait for your physician to respond to your request:
- Eat small frequent meals instead of large meals.
- Look out for foods that seem to worsen your condition and limit their intake. Decrease quantity and/or frequency. These may include caffeine, citrus fruits, spicy foods, fried foods, etc. Pay attention to how you feel after consuming particular foods and you will be able to know which ones to adjust accordingly.
- Allow at least 3 hours between your last meal of the day, and your bedtime.
- Slightly elevate the head of your bed when laying down. Try using pillows to help achieve this.
- Consider consuming tolerable amounts of ginger in your meals to promote digestion.
- Limit consumption of carbonated beverages and alcohol.
These safety tips will help until you can receive treatment to replace your ranitidine/Zantac.
Wishing you great health and safety,
—
Yvonne Longmatey
Thank you for sharing these essential tips!!
My pleasure!!