Cancer-causing chemicals found in Zantac medication
NDMA has been found in Zantac and other ranitidine products at levels that exceed the acceptable daily intake limit for NDMA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of all ranitidine products, including Zantac, after testing revealed unacceptable levels of NDMA in the medications.
N-nitrosodimethylamine, commonly abbreviated as NDMA, is a probable human carcinogen found in Zantac, generic ranitidine products, and other common medications used to treat heartburn and other disorders.
Ranitidine products include many generic and over the counter (OTC) versions of Zantac.
About the FDA Zantac Recall
On September 24, 2019, the FDA announced that the Sandoz Company had initiated a voluntary 14-day recall for fourteen lots of prescription Zantac. After detecting NDMA in some of its heartburn medication manufactured in capsule format, Sandoz took this step. Within a few weeks, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, discontinued sales of ranitidine products.
The FDA released a study on November 1, 2019, revealing that it had found NDMA in 18 distinct ranitidine products ranging from 0.03 to 2.85 parts per million. The US Food and Drug Administration highlighted the fact that the level of NDMA was comparable to what consumers may find in smoked or grilled meats.
