Carcinogen NDMA Now Spreads to Heartburn Drugs

Concerns about an environmental carcinogen that has recently been plaguing blood pressure and heart medicines has now spread to some ranitidine heartburn drugs, including the brand-name drug Zantac, according to an FDA safety alert. The agency says that a nitrosamine impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which has been detected at low levels in the drugs, is a known environmental contaminant and found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables.

“The FDA is evaluating whether the low levels of NDMA in ranitidine pose a risk to patients,” the alert says. “The agency is working with international regulators and industry partners to determine the source of this impurity in ranitidine... The FDA is not calling for individuals to stop taking ranitidine at this time; however, patients taking prescription ranitidine who wish to discontinue use should talk to their health care professional about other treatment options.”