Is there a side effect to anti ulcer drugs in general that causes irritation to the breast area in men? I was switched from Tagamet to Zantac when such irritation occurred and it disappeared within days, but now has reappeared again after six months.
REPLY:
The development of enlarged and tender breast tissue in men taking cimetidine (Tagamet) is a recognized side-effect. The incidence of this is said to be up to 1% in persons taking a standard dose. Zantac probably does not cause this side-effect and because of this some male patients who had demonstrated gynecomastia while on Tagamet (when it was the only drug available) were switched to ranitidine (Zantac) when it was released many years ago. Pepcid and Axid which are the two remaining drugs in this family are similar to Zantac in that gynecomastia would be an unlikely side-effect.
The newer and much more potent drugs which block acid production (Prilosec and Prevacid) are chemically different and do not seem to have gynecomastia in their side-effect profile.
If you are again experiencing breast enlargement, tenderness, or irritation I would suggest you consult with your doctor. It would be important not to blame your ulcer medicines since the symptom may be caused by a number of other conditions.
Also, you may wish to discuss with your doctor the new information that links ulcer disease to a bacteria which inhabits the stomach. Persons with chronic and recurring ulcer symptoms who turn to drugs such as Tagamet and Zantac may have much less in the way of future problems if they are tested for the bacteria and, if present, it is eliminated by special antibiotic treatment.
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Bruce Sckolnick, M.D.
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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