CVS pulls Zantac from store shelves over possible link to cancer concerns

CVS is suspending the sales of popular heartburn reliever Zantac and its generic version because the pills contain a chemical that may be linked to cancer.

On Saturday, CVS issued a release stating that it will discontinue its branded medicines containing ranitidine after the Food and Drug Administration found a “low level” of a possible carcinogen in some of the pills. The contaminant in question is known as nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

The pharmacy chain says the FDA is not recommending people stop taking the stomach-acid-reducing drugs yet. However, it is encouraging patrons who bought these products to return them for a refund.

“The FDA is continuing to evaluate whether low levels of NDMA in ranitidine pose a risk to patients,” the pharmacy giant said in a statement. “The levels that FDA is finding in ranitidine from preliminary tests barely exceed amounts found in common foods.”

Earlier in September, the FDA said it found a “probable” carcinogen in Zantac. The same contaminant is also found in water, meats, dairy products and vegetables, the FDA said.

”Patients taking prescription ranitidine who wish to discontinue use should talk to their health care professional about other treatment options,” the FDA advised.

On September 23, the drug manufacturer Sandoz Inc. issued a voluntary recall of ranitidine capsules “due to an elevated amount of unexpected impurity.” It also halted the distribution of generic medicines containing the drug.

Other drugmakers including Apotex and GlaxoSmithKine are recalling ranitidine products in the U.S., India and Hong Kong.

Read more at usatoday.com.