From Acid Reflux to Health Hazard: The Growing Cancer Threat Associated with Ranitidine

Ranitidine is a medication used for heart burn, stomach ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disorder and other conditions that cause an accumulation of stomach acid. The side/adverse effects of ranitidine use include CNS disturbance such as dizziness and vomiting, nausea. Other reported side effects include cholestatic hepatitis, hematologic disorders such as leucopenia, and granulocytopenia, respiratory effects, and musculoskeletal complications. It is an H2 histamine blocker drug. Recently some studies have found that ranitidine may containthe presence of potentially carcinogenic compounds such as N-Nitrosodimethylamine. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between ranitidine consumption and gastrointestinal cancer. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) ana H2 antagonistrelated events that were reported to the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System were chosen. To compare the percentage of all reported adverse events that were for gastrointestinal system malignancies among ranitidine adverse event reports to adverse event reports for other H2 antagonists, proportionate reporting ratios (PRRs) and related 95% confidence intervals were calculated.Compared to PPIs and other H2 antagonists, ranitidine had a higher percentage of adverse events for any gastrointestinal system malignancy relative to all other events (PRR 3.66, 95% Ci 3.19-4.20). Cancers of the pharynx (PRR 9.24), esophagus (PRR 3.56), stomach (PRR 1.48), colorectal (PRR 16.31), liver (PRR 2.64), and pancreas(PRR 2.18) all had elevated and substantial PRRs. Although not statistically significant, the PRRs for gallbladder (PRR 4.62) and anal (PRR 4.62) cancer were likewise higher. This discovery is raising concerns about drug related diseases long-term consumption of ranitidine may increase the risk of cancerseveral health authorities have launched an investigation and recommended its removal from the market. To make consumer aware in the context and it is necessary to guide towards safe option.