NATIONWIDE — CVS, the largest pharmacy chain in the U.S., has stopped selling popular heartburn medication Zantac and its CVS-branded generic equivalent after a warning was issued by the FDA.
- Nation's largest pharmacy chain stops selling Zantac, CVS generic
- Zantac could be contaminated by known carcinogen, FDA says
- Some manufacturers have issued recalls of ranitidine products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said earlier this month that some ranitidine could be contaminated with low levels of an impurity that could cause cancer. Some manufacturers have issued recalls, according to the FDA.
Zantac is sold both over the counter and with a prescription. Some manufacturers have stopped distributing it, and the FDA has not recommended that patients stop taking ranitidine products. Patients were encouraged to check with their doctor.
The impurity was identified as N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA. It's a known carcinogen that's led to recalls of popular blood pressure medications valsartan and losartan.
CVS stressed that Zantac and its generic CVS versions have not been recalled, and the FDA isn't recommending at this time that patients stop taking it. Customers who bought Zantac products can return them for a refund, the retailer said.
Information from the Associated Press and CNN was used in this report.