Picking something up from the drug store to treat something as simple as heartburn typically would not seem like a risky task. However a popular drug used for heartburn, Zantac (Ranitidine), was recalled this year after a probable human carcinogen was found during a drug study.
In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that initial research had indicated that small quantities N-nitrosodmethylamine (NDMA), had been detected in Zantac. What does all this mean for the millions of people who have taken the drug of the drug?
What You Should Do if You Take Ranitidine
Patients taking ranitidine should speak with their health care providers regarding the possibility of other treatment options. There are multiple drugs approved for treatment of heartburn that do not carry the same risks of NDMA. As of April 1, 2020, FDA testing has not found NDMA in Nexium, Tagamet, Pepcid, Prevacid, or Prilosec. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding spicy foods, large or fatty meals, and alcohol, can also help prevent episodes of heartburn.
Properly Disposing of Zantac
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA is recommending that consumers refrain from taking their medications back to a drug take-back location. FDA says to follow specific disposal instructions included in the medication guide/package insert, or dispose of it according the agency’s recommended procedure.
What is N-nitrosodmethylamine (NDMA)?
The FDA’s research found that Zantac contains NDMA, an environmental contaminant that is found in dairy products, vegetables, grilled meats, and drinking water. The FDA classifies NDMA as a probable carcinogen based on animal studies. Although studies on humans are relatively limited, the FDA requested the removal of all ranitidine products, including Zantac, from the market on April 1, 2020. They determined that the impurity in some ranitidine medications increases over time when stored at higher than room temperatures, potentially resulting in unacceptable levels of exposure.
With these discoveries and other research by our attorneys, Childers, Schlueter & Smith may be able to help you. If you have been injured after taking Zantac, please give us a call for a free consultation. You can find further information about Zantac right here on our website.
