Fed up, docs told me to come off Zantac - I know the pain will return

[littleweed10]

Does anyone have experience of taking Zantac In pregnancy?

I'm now 15 weeks, was signed off work from 10-12 weeks with awful stomach pain( also experienced last year pre preg and described by gp at time as 'ulcer-like symptoms). First saw doc who would only give me gaviiscon which did bugger all, it was only counting down the minutes to my next paracetamol that gave me any respite. Saw second doc-locum- 2 days later who gave me Zantac with no qualms.
Bloods for tummy probs have now come back clear, first doc is insistent I shouldn't be on Zantac in preg. I am so worried to come off them as I am sure this awful pain will return, which makes me have awful pain, unable to function in terms of going to work, home life looking after ds1.

So any advice much appreciated x

I haven't needed it myself (yet) but a few women in my ante natal class are taking it, at least one of which only had to phone her Dr to get the inital prescription.

Can you ask your midwife or another Dr in the practice?

Could you try omeprazole? I'm 27 weeks and I've been taking it for about 2 weeks and it's amazing stuff! I did a lot of research before taking it, it's the NHS drug of choice for heartburn in pregnancy if gaviscon isn't enough. I believe that ranitidine is still considered safe though.

The doctor is not keen on omeprazole - or Zantac which is ranitidine!
I had omeprazole in my last bout of this pre preg, and it near miracle, made me feel so much better.
It isn't heartburn I am sure of it. It's excrucitating before I eat and only feels more bearable with a fuller stomach and fully dosed up with paracetamol.
I took the gaviscon max as I was given it, but to be honest it didn't next to nowt!
This doctor is the main partner in the practice, a bit wary of going to someone else...

I think you do need to see someone else if you're in that much pain. See here for the NHS recommendations for excess stomach acid in pregnancy.

I will look at the link and you're right, when it kicks in, it is so relentlessly awful, I am good for nothing. I've got to be gun ho!

unfortunately I think the doc is muddying this with pregnant heartburn which i am sure it so fecking not!
I was off work for 2 weeks with it last September and is definitely related to work stress, pain as bas as when I had appendicitis.
The latest bout happened in similar circumstances. Perhaps I'll have to be signed off work for my remaining 25 ish weeks... That would go down well!

Bas?! Bad

I took ranitidine from 29 weeks in first pregnancy and from 12 weeks in this one. It has been great and there are no problems.

I'd see another doctor if possible - your first one doesn't sound great.

Please go back and see another Dr - as I have learnt from bitter experience, the oldest, most experienced doctor does not necessarily know what they are talking about. In this case, too true!

Can't link as I'm useless, but google 'ranitidine pregnancy NHS' and you can see even the NHS states that both omeprazole and ranitidine are safe to use in pregnancy.

In fact maybe print it out and demand it from your doctor

Good luck and hope you feel better soon!

Thank you thank you I panicked for that link- I want some proof to say for gads sake doctor, sort it.
I suppose I have to come off them for a week until my appointment but then I'll be so fully pissed off with life, that I won't be taking no for an answer...
Grrrrrr

Gads? Gads? Flipping iPad - not my typing honest

Have had ranitidine in the later stages of both my previous pregnancies, will not hesitate to ask for it again in a few weeks, when no doubt the acid will become unbearable in this pregnancy too! It was prescribed for me by a doctor in hospital during my first pregnancy, who was amazed I was chomping Rennies and told me to stop...

I was prescribed Zantac at around 18 weeks in this pregnancy and have been taking it all the way through (am now 37 weeks). Have been advised by 2 separate GP's it is perfectly safe.

Thanks for all the support and feedback. I am taking a print out from nhs choices - thanks ipanicked - to the doc on thursday, and staying on the Zantac in the meanwhile.

I was told omeprazole was totally safe by my young but cautious female GP. Lots of stuff online saying it is used quite commonly and safely. See a different GP!!!

And honestly if he won't help you see a different doctor! Thankfully I haven't need the omeprazole yet, just the odd swig of Gaviscon, but my stomach flares up from time to time and I find even a few days of Omeprazole seems to 'reset' it.

Thanks Angelico- I think my gp is a cautious old duffer, I am actually seeing another doctor than him for this weeks appointment which I hope will be a positive
I also have a dead feisty midwife who already agrees I should be on either tablet, so I have the option of letting her loose too!

Have you tried Manuka honey? I have taken zantsc in the past and when I discovered Manuka honey I tell everyone its as effective as zantac! Sounds like you want the zantac but the honey may help at least while you're fighting the battle to get it!

Umboo what do you do, just eat a spoonful of honey?

Ooh yes tell us how you take it and what grade you buy? I'm all for alternatives ...

littleweed if it's any help I have just spent three weeks in hospital and was given ranitidine on several occasions while pregnant between 28 - 30 weeks. So I would assume they think it's safe to take while pregnant

good luck

i get strength 10+ or 15+, many supermarkets are even stocking that nowadays. if im experiencing tummy acid problems, which i have 2-3 times in my life then i take one teaspoonful before bed and another in the night as i usually wake up in the night.

hth

Good to know Umboo :) I have a jar of 10+ sitting in the cupboard but only really use it for hot honey and lemon when I've a cold. Have heard all sorts of weird and wonderful uses like putting it on burns / CS scars etc would love to know how useful it is.

Littleweed hope you get some joy either from the honey or a different GP :)

Ta umboo, great tip, going to try the manuka for sure too.
Years ago, My fil burnt his hands really badly and an old chap suggested bunging on honey to help the healing.

Sorry posted too soon!
His hands healed miraculously quickly apparently. It was local very unrefined honey.

wow thats amazing.:) i'm a great believer in honey, when abroad with food poisoning i ate local honey and it really helped.