Zantac recalled in Canada, U.S. on cancer fears

Sanofi is voluntarily recalling heartburn medication Zantac in the U.S. and Canada amid worries that the medicine may be tainted with a compound that could cause cancer.

The French pharma company’s announcement follows decisions from major drugstore operators in the U.S., including Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. and Walmart Inc., to pull the medication from store shelves. In addition, manufacturers have recalled some generic versions of Zantac products known as ranitidine.

Due to inconsistencies in preliminary test results of the key ingredient used in the U.S. and Canadian products, Sanofi decided to carry out the recall in those countries as an investigation continues. The company said it’s working with health authorities to determine the level and extent of the recall.

U.S. and European Union health officials are investigating levels of the probable carcinogen NDMA in Zantac and its generic equivalent sold by numerous other companies. The FDA has advised patients that there are other medications available to treat the same symptoms that ranitidine is intended to soothe.

Branded Zantac is made by Sanofi, while generic versions are manufactured by many companies. Perrigo Co. earlier this month was the latest to halt distribution of the generic version.

Novartis AG’S generics unit Sandoz and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. of India had already taken similar steps.