Drugstores recalling Zantac-like heartburn drugs over cancer risk

CVS pulled Zantac and its own generic form of the popular heartburn medication from its shelves this weekend over concerns that the products may contain small levels of nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, a possible cancercausing chemical linked to liver damage. CVS, the largest pharmacy chain in the country, said Saturday it was suspending sales “out of an abundance of caution.”

The decision by the pharmacy giant adds to a flurry of worldwide concern about the drug. Major manufacturers of the generic form, ranitidine, have announced recalls, and other countries have requested that companies halt distribution of the drug or issued recalls. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been investigating the possible risk to patients, as well.

The FDA has stopped short of calling for people to stop taking the drug but has advised patients to talk to their doctors about taking an alternative prescription to ranitidine, an anti-heartburn medication that’s commonly used in prescription and over-thecounter medicines to treat issues like ulcers and acid reflux.

Exposure to low levels of NDMA does not pose an acute risk to patients. The chemical is classified as a probable carcinogen and is present in the environment and in food, such as grilled meat.

Sandoz, a division of the pharmaceutical giant Novartis, halted distribution of ranitidine in midSeptember and then announced it was recalling lots after the impurity was detected above acceptable levels last week. Apotex Corp., another manufacturer, recalled ranitidine tablets last week on a “precautionary basis” after learning from the FDA and other global regulators that the drug can contain the impurity, regardless of the manufacturer. Drug recalls are typically executed by the individual manufacturers and subsequently announced by the FDA.