On October 18, Sanofi recalled all over-the-counter Zantac® heartburn medications in the U.S., including Zantac 150®, Zantac 150® Cool Mint, and Zantac 75®, due to a risk of NDMA.
On October 23, Dr. Reddy’s and Perrigo Company recalled generic Zantac (ranitidine), including prescription-strength and over-the-counter products, due to a possible risk of NDMA contamination.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories recalled prescription-strength ranitidine capsules (150 mg and 300 mg) and over-the-counter ranitidine sold under brand-names such as Target, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, CVS, Dr. Reddy’s, CDMA, HCA, Thirty Madison, and Gericare with expiration dates from September 2019 through June 2021.
Perrigo Company PLC issued a voluntary worldwide recall of ranitidine (all pack sizes) after halting all shipments on October 8, 2019.
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is classified as a substance that could probably cause cancer in humans. NDMA is also found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables.
On October 23, the FDA also issued an update to announce about multiple voluntary recalls for Zantac and ranitidine.
Patients who take Zantac or ranitidine might consider alternatives, such as Pepcid (famotidine), Tagamet (cimetidine), Nexium (esomeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), or Prilosec (omeprazole), which show no NDMA at this time, according to the FDA.
Source: Sanofi Provides Update on Precautionary Voluntary Recall of Zantac OTC in U.S.