A commonly used heartburn medication has been recalled by Health Canada due to a potential pharmaceutical impurity.
As a precaution, four drug companies that produce the ranitidine drug have pulled their product off of store shelves: (Apotex Inc., Pro Doc Limitée, Sanis Health Inc., and Sivem Pharmaceuticals ULC.)
The products are being recalled as they may have been manufactured using an active pharmaceutical ingredient containing an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), above acceptable levels.
NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen, which means long-term exposure to levels above what is considered safe could increase the risk of cancer.
Over-the-counter ranitidine drugs, such as Zantac and other generics, are designed to relieve heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach.
Prescription ranitidine drugs are used to reduce stomach acid for the treatment and prevention of various conditions, such as heartburn, ulcers of the stomach and intestines, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Companies have agreed with Health Canada’s precautionary request to stop distributing all ranitidine drugs in Canada.
