Recently, pharmaceutical companies and the FDA became aware of the presence of a chemical called NDMA in many, but not all, batches of the acid reducer medication Zantac (generic name ranitidine), which many patients use to treat heartburn and other acid conditions. NMDA is also present in some foods and is considered a carcinogen (cancer causing substance) if present in quantities larger than what the FDA considers to be safe. It isn’t feasible to know which batches or sources of Zantac (name or generic brands) are safe and which might not be. The FDA is not recommending patients discontinue use of these medications at this time, however patients who wish to discontinue the use of Zantac and ranitidine may consider using any of the following instead:
Pepcid (generic-famotidine)
Tagamet (generic-cimetidine)
Axid (generic -nizatidine)
These are essentially the same TYPE of drug. Pepcid generics are widely available and inexpensive.
Patients who have been taking prescription strength Zantac or ranitidine may request a prescription for an alternative from their doctor or Advanced Practice Professional (NP or PA) through their inSite office.
We consider this issue to be a VERY small risk but are advising you about it in the interest of your safety.
You may read the full statement by the FDA here.