According to a report by the American College of Gastroenterology, around 60 million Americans suffer heartburn in a single month. Many try to adopt lifestyle changes to curb the symptoms of heartburn but many use prescriptions and over the counter medications.
Now, one of the most common drugs that have been used for a long time is Zantac, also known as Ranitidine. In 2019, the FDA gave warnings against the use of Zantac for heartburn treatment due to its possible cancer-causing effects. It was found that the drug has a chemical known as N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA), which has been linked to cancer. In other words, if you are taking Ranitidine now, it is time to stop! If you have been taking Ranitidine, you should know that you are at risk for cancer. In that regard, you must watch out for the symptoms of Zantac-induced cancer. Let us take a look at common Zantac cancer signs you ought to know.
Symptoms of Zantac-related Cancer
According to the World Health Organization, on exposure to NDMA, you are at high risk of colorectal cancer or Zantac-related stomach cancer. You can also develop liver, lung, bladder, kidney, and pancreatic cancer. It would help if you spoke to a medical doctor immediately and you start developing any strange symptoms that might be linked to Zantac-related cancer medications. Let us take a look at the symptoms of the two major Zantac cancers, i.e., stomach and colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the type of cancer that starts growing from either the colon or the rectum. Depending on where the growth of cancer starts, it can be either rectum or colon cancer. However, both the colon and rectum cancer have similar signs.
Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.
- Unexpected weight loss
- Bloating
- Lack of the gut-emptiness feeling even after defecating
- General body weakness and fatigue
- Gas, cramping and pain in the abdomen
- Changes in the stool that are sudden and persistent
- Intestinal bleeding, as evidenced by Anemia.
- Anemia related to intestinal bleeding
Stomach Cancer
Major symptoms of Zantac stomach cancer include;
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal cramps, pain, and discomfort
- Pain in the lower back
- General body weakness and fatigue
- Persistent indigestion and heartburn
- Nausea and bloody or non-bloody vomiting
- Abdominal swelling
- Bloody urine or stool
- Yellow discoloration of the eyes and the skin
- Stool that is white, chalky
- Bloody stool
- Anemia
Should you keep taking Zantac for Heartburn?
FDA and other agencies are still researching Zantac. However, you are at high risk of developing Zantac cancer after being exposed to high doses of Ranitidine and for longer periods. It would be best if you stopped using the drug immediately then seek medical and legal help.
Wrap up
If you are using Zantac, it is now time to stop it. If you have been using the drug for a prolonged period and don’t have any signs and symptoms of cancer, consult a doctor and ask him to investigate you for Zantac cancers as the earlier they are treated, the better. In case you or your loved one is suffering from Zantac cancer, it is time to take a class action lawsuit for Zantac. The manufacturer should compensate you for the suffering caused by a harmful drug they produced.
