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# Cancer Warning Sought for OTC Heartburn Drugs
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/cancer-warning-sought-for-otc-heartburn-drugs/
- Published: 2017-05-02T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T22:21:09.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5138597

The Esophageal Cancer Action Network is asking FDA to require a stronger warning about the risk of esophageal cancer for all OTC drug products labeled to relieve or prevent heartburn associated with reflux disease, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. “The warnings should note that these OTC drug products do not eliminate the risk of esophageal cancer and a person should see their physician if they experience persistent heartburn associated with reflux disease, acid indigestion, or sour stomach,” the [petition](https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FDA-2017-P-2733-0001&ref=fdaweb.com) says.

The network says the stronger warning should include a bold and prominent statement that persistent heartburn can be a sign of increased risk of esophageal cancer and explain that drug products do not eliminate the risk.