Heartburn drug Zantac pulled from shelves over cancer concern
A popular heartburn drug has been withdrawn from sale after it was found to carry a cancer-causing substance.
Zantac – sold over the counter - is among eight types of the heartburn drug ranitidine that have been recalled from pharmacies, supermarkets, online stores and other retail outlets.
The products were contaminated with an impurity called N‑nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
As well as heartburn, the ranitidine products can be used to treat stomach acid, reflux and ulcers.
The move came after concerns long-term exposure to NDMA was found to increase a person's chances of developing cancer.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is advising people to consider alternative medicines.
Zantac has been found to contain a cancer-causing substance by global regulators. AAP
It advises patients to consult their doctors or pharmacists about alternative medications for heartburn or related conditions.
The TGA said it is working with international regulators and pharmaceutical producers to investigate the issue.
Pharmaceutical authorities in the US and UK have also recalled the drugs.
The US Food and Drug Administration declared there was "unacceptable" amounts of probable cancer causing impurity in the drug NDMA.
Britain's medicines watchdog – the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency – told doctors on Monday to stop supplying the products, quarantine remaining stock and return it to suppliers.
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