29.4 C
Accra
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
WorldZantac: CVS latest to suspend heartburn drug over cancer fears

Date:

Zantac: CVS latest to suspend heartburn drug over cancer fears

US retailer CVS has become the latest to suspend the sale of a heartburn drug being investigated for links to cancer.

It follows concern in several countries over the presence of impurities in Zantac and other ranitidine products.

Canada and France have already announced Zantac recalls. The US and the European Union are investigating.

Health authorities say there is no immediate risk, but patients have been advised to consult a doctor who can prescribe alternatives to ranitidine.

Read:Cancerous nature of telecom masts on the environment A myth or reality? (2)

What is the fear about?

On 13 September, both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) published their decisions to review the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in medicines containing the drug ranitidine.

NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) on the basis of animal studies.

NDMA is found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables, but is not expected to cause harm when ingested in very low levels, EMA says.

Ranitidine products are used to reduce the production of stomach acid in patients with conditions such as heartburn and stomach ulcers.

Read:Vaginal bacteria linked to ovarian cancer

They are available over-the-counter and on prescription.

Who has recalled the products so far?

CVS’s announcement on Saturday said it was suspending the sale of Zantac and CVS Health brand ranitidine products “out of an abundance of caution”.

“Zantac brand products and CVS brand ranitidine products have not been recalled, and the FDA is not recommending that patients stop taking ranitidine at this time,” the company said.

Walgreens, Walmart and Rite Aid in the US had earlier taken a similar decision.

Canada and France have removed the drugs from pharmacy shelves. A number of other countries have followed suit.

Read:Study links sugary drinks to cancer

What should patients do?

Health regulators are urging people taking ranitidine not do discontinue it immediately.

The FDA said, however, that those taking it by prescription should contact health professionals about alternatives. And those buying it over the counter could consider other options.

French authorities also emphasised there was no “acute risk” and patients should not stop the medication or return it to pharmacies.

Source: bbc.com

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

Drag us to court if you feel defamed – ORAL to concerned citizens

Former Auditor-General and member of the Operation Recover All...

Bulk of ORAL’s corruption reports needs auditing – Domelevo

A significant portion of corruption-related cases compiled by the...

Luis Rubiales to appear in court over Hermoso kiss trial

Former president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales...

Committee to present report on chaotic vetting despite Minority MPs boycott

The chairman of the committee investigating the violent altercation...

120 personnel deployed to Central Region for Council of State election

A total of 120 security personnel has been deployed...

Kumasi: Accident on Tech-Oforikrom road kills two

Two individuals have perished in a tragic accident at...

Sawla SHS suspends over 30 students indefinitely for misconduct

More than thirty students from Sawla Senior High School...

Related stories

“I still consider it my biggest failure” – Bill Gates on life after divorce

Bill Gates is speaking candidly about his divorce from Melinda French...

Kanye West reclaims title as wealthiest rapper, surpassing JAY-Z

Kanye West has reportedly reclaimed the title of the...

Meta offers TikTokers $5,000 to join Facebook, Instagram

Social media giant Meta has offered to pay up...

About 1,600 Capitol riot defendants pardoned by Trump

President Donald Trump has issued pardons or commuted sentences...

LIVESTREAMING: Swearing-in ceremony for Donald Trump

Today marks the beginning of Donald Trump's second term...

Inauguration Day schedule for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony today

Donald Trump will take the oath of office today...

WhatsApp to stop working on these devices in 2025

WhatsApp will soon cease supporting 18 Android models and...