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Ranitidine is used to treat heartburn and other stomach problems. Currently, these drugs are excluded from circulation because the substance is suspected to be carcinogenic. Why was Ranitidine withdrawn from sale?
Ranitidine withdrawn from sale
The ranitidine medications were withdrawn from sale until further notice. The decision was announced on September 19, 2019 by the Main Pharmaceutical Inspector. The reason was suspected carcinogenic properties of the substance.
They arose from Rapid Alert notifications that reported N-nitrosodimethylamine contamination in some ranitidine-containing drugs. The same contaminants were found in drugs with valsartan, which are currently not in the Polish pharmaceutical circulation.
N-nitrosodimethylamine is considered a carcinogen. Therefore, the Inspectorate decided to withdraw the drugs. The most popular drugs with ranitidine as an active ingredient were Ranigast, Raniberl, Riflux.
- Learn the whole truth about carcinogenic substances, what really is a real threat to our health and can cause the development of cancer?
Ranitidine – action
Ranitidine is a substance that is used in the treatment of stomach diseases. Thanks to it, access of histamine to histamine receptors is blocked.
Histamine is an amine that occurs naturally in the body. It is called a mediator of inflammatory processes because it is involved in their formation.
As a result of the action of histamine on H1 receptors, hydrochloric acid is produced by the parietal cells. They, in turn, are found in the stomach, lungs, skin and nasal mucosa.
Ranitidine blocks the production of this acid. It is worth noting that inhibition of the formation also applies to useful acids, e.g. digestive enzymes (including proteins – i.e. pepsin).
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.
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