Famotidine Recall | Long-Term Side Effects Info & More

Is Famotidine the Same as Zantac?

Famotidine (Pepcid) and ranitidine hydrochloride (Zantac) are H2-blockers used to treat and prevent the recurrence of the stomach and duodenal ulcers. These drugs work by binding to histamine type 2 receptors on the basolateral (antiluminal) surface of gastric parietal cells, interfering with pathways of gastric acid production and secretion.

Related Article: Zantac Lawsuit

What’s the Difference Between a Proton Pump Inhibitor and an H2 Blocker?

H2 blockers work by blocking the histamine receptors in parietal cells to decrease the amount of acid produced. Proton pump inhibitors work by shutting down the proton pumps in these cells and preventing the acid from being secreted into the stomach.

Related Article: Proton Pump Inhibitor Lawsuit

What Are the Warnings for Famotidine?

Famotidine may cause the following symptoms in certain patients: confusion, delirium, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizures, or unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness. These are more likely in patients who are older and those with kidney disease.

Is Famotidine Cancerous?

After discovering the cancer-causing impurity in Zantac, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested other H2 blockers be tested for the carcinogen. They found famotidine had no NDMA in it. Because it is free of NDMA, there is no concern of a potential link between Famotidine and cancer.

What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Famotidine?

• Anxiety
• bleeding gums
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• blood in the urine or stools
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• discouragement
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling sad or empty
• irritability
• lack of appetite

See all related dangerous drug litigations our attorneys have covered.

Is It OK to Take Famotidine Every Day?

Do not take more than two tablets, capsules, or chewable tablets of famotidine per day, and do not take over-the-counter famotidine for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor advises you otherwise.

How Do I Stop Taking Famotidine?

To taper off famotidine after regular use, doctors recommend taking a proton pump inhibitor every other day, and an OTC antacid such as Tums or another H2 blocker on alternating days, until you can stop taking the medicine altogether.

FAQs

1. Is There Any Risk of Cancer Associated With Famotidine Use?

Famotidine has been tested for carcinogenic impurities like NDMA, and no link to cancer has been found, making it considered safe from this particular risk.

2. What Should Patients Know Before Taking Famotidine Daily?

Patients should not exceed two doses per day and should avoid using Famotidine for longer than two weeks unless advised by a doctor to prevent potential side effects.

3. How Should Someone Safely Stop Taking Famotidine After Regular Use?

To stop Famotidine safely, doctors recommend tapering off by alternating with a proton pump inhibitor and OTC antacids, gradually reducing the dosage until discontinuation.

Get a Free Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits.

We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently investigating potential class action lawsuits in all 50 states.

Again, if you were injured by a proton pump inhibitor, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit and a lawyer can help.