In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that all forms of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine (Zantac) be removed from the U.S. market. They made this recommendation because unacceptable levels of NDMA, a probable carcinogen (or cancer-causing chemical), were present in some ranitidine products. People taking prescription ranitidine should talk with their doctor about safe alternative options before stopping the drug. People taking OTC ranitidine should stop taking the drug and talk with their healthcare provider about alternative options. Instead of taking unused ranitidine products to a drug take-back site, a person should dispose of them according to the product’s instructions or by following the FDA’s guidance.

Some home remedies, such as probiotics, may help relieve the pain and other symptoms associated with stomach ulcers. However, people should use these in conjunction with medical treatment.

Stomach ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Stomach ulcers are also known as peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers, or duodenal ulcers.

Stomach ulcers develop when stomach acid irritates the lining of the stomach.

Causes of ulcers include:

  • an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
  • long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin

Some people believe stress or spicy food can cause an ulcer. These do not cause ulcers, but they can make them worse by increasing stomach acid production.

Read about ten evidence-based methods to help relieve the pain from stomach ulcers.

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Doctors may advise people to stop taking certain medications that can cause ulcers.

Medical treatments for stomach ulcers will vary based on what is causing the ulcer.

If taking NSAIDs caused the ulcer, a doctor will likely advise the person to stop or reduce their use of those drugs. People can switch to another medication for pain.

A doctor may prescribe proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid and protect the lining of the stomach. They cannot kill bacteria, but they can help fight an H. pylori infection. Some examples include Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid.

A doctor may also prescribe histamine receptor blockers. These prevent the stomach from producing too much acid.

Also, a doctor may prescribe a protectant called sucralfate (Carafate). This helps prevent further damage to the area around the ulcer.

When an H. pylori infection caused the ulcer, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics. Since H. pylori can be hard to kill, a person must take all doses exactly as prescribed even after symptoms go away.

Often, a doctor will combine several medications and therapies when treating an ulcer. Combination therapies help address pain, prevent further damage, and cure any infection.

A person may be able to find relief with some home remedies. But, people should see their doctor to find out the cause and receive medical treatment.

A doctor can create a treatment plan to help treat the ulcer. At-home remedies may help prevent ulcers developing in the future and naturally help ease symptoms.