The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has been informed of an alert on ranitidine medicines, issued by Medicines Regulators around the world.
Alerts are advising that ranitidine-containing products may be contaminated with an impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Long-term exposure (over years) can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.
The risks from short-term use of ranitidine are expected to be extremely low.
Ranitidine is used for treatment of heartburn, gastric reflux or ulcers. In Fiji, ranitidine is available to patients in the form of 150mg or 300mg tablets. It is usually a prescribed medicine but is also available over the counter.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is working with the Fiji Medicinal Products Board to monitor developments and assess the situation in Fiji as it evolves. We are working with WHO and other international regulators for regular updates on the situation globally.
Consistent with the advice being issued by Medicines Regulators abroad, the Ministry is not calling for individuals to stop taking this medication. If you have concerns regarding your ranitidine you may wish to discuss with your healthcare provider, so they can assess and prescribe an alternative treatment option available in Fiji.
Doctors and pharmacists should support patients who are worried about taking ranitidine or have been taking it longer-term to switch to alternative treatment options. The risks for patients taking low-dose ranitidine occasionally or in the short-term remain very low.
Health care providers can also recommend lifestyle modifications that can be used as alternatives to manage patients’ conditions.
Bernadette Welch
Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services