NEW YORK CITY (CNN NEWSOURCE) — Some common heartburn and acid reflux medication may be contaminated with a cancer-causing impurity.
The Food and Drug Administration said the drug Zantac and its generics contain small amounts of a substance called N-nitrosodimethylamine, otherwise known as NDMA. It’s the same carcinogen that prompted a July recall of several blood pressure medications.
An FDA spokeswoman told USA Today the discovery isn’t prompting a recall and said people shouldn’t panic, but the agency said it’s a good idea to switch to another over-the-counter drug.
Those on a prescription version should talk to their doctor or pharmacist.
