Drugmaker recalls heartburn drug Zantac over cancer concerns

The drugmaker Sanofi announced Friday that it is recalling the heartburn drug Zantac in the United States and Canada because of concerns it could contain low levels of a cancer-causing chemical. 

The company said in a statement that the recall was being conducted as a “precautionary measure.”

{mosads}In September, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert that Zantac, which contains ranitidine, could contain low levels of the carcinogen nitrosodimethylamine. 

Some retailers, like CVS, then stopped selling the drug. Sanofi said it has decided to recall the drug “due to inconsistencies in preliminary test results.”

The company said that “evaluations are ongoing.”

The FDA said earlier this month that it is “continuing to test” the drug and had asked manufacturers to conduct testing as well. 

“Sanofi is committed to transparency and will continue to communicate results with health authorities from the ongoing testing, and work with them to make informed decisions based on available data and evidence,” the company said.

“Sanofi encourages anyone using Zantac OTC to speak with their health care providers or pharmacists if they have any additional questions,” the company said.