As of now, the FDA has allowed ranitidine to remain on the market. Still, some manufacturers have issued voluntary recalls and some pharmacies have pulled it off the shelves.

Is ranitidine still used?

As of now, the FDA has allowed ranitidine to remain on the market. Still, some manufacturers have issued voluntary recalls and some pharmacies have pulled it off the shelves.

Why did they ban ranitidine?

In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled all ranitidine products (injectable and oral) after the revelation of low-level N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) presence. [1] N-Nitrosamines have marked as human carcinogens, associated with cancers of stomach, esophagus, nasopharynx, and bladder.

Is ranitidine ever coming back?

Due to a possible cancer risk, all forms of ranitidine were recalled by the FDA in 2020, including over-the-counter Zantac. This acid reflux medication has finally returned to pharmacy shelves but with a different ingredient called famotidine.

Why did ranitidine get recalled?

The FDA issued an immediate market withdrawal request for all prescription and over-the-counter versions of Zantac (ranitidine), including generic ranitidine, in April 2020. Manufacturers recalled the drugs because they may contain a cancer-causing chemical called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Is Zantac and ranitidine the same?

Ranitidine (also known by its brand name, Zantac, which is sold by the drug company Sanofi) is available both over the counter (OTC) and by prescription. It belongs to the class of drugs known as H2 (or histamine-2) blockers. OTC ranitidine is commonly used to relieve and prevent heartburn.

Is omeprazole the same as Zantac?

Prilosec is a brand name for the generic drug omeprazole. It works by blocking the pumps in your stomach that produce acid. Zantac is a brand name for a different generic drug, ranitidine. Zantac blocks a chemical in your body called histamine that activates the acid pumps.

What kind of cancers did Zantac cause?

Zantac contaminated with NDMA, a cancer-causing chemical, has been linked to cancer. Types of cancer caused by Zantac include bladder cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer. In April 2020, Zantac products were withdrawn from the market because of the potential cancer risk.

What can replace ranitidine?

The FDA lists two options for H2 histamine receptor antagonists as safe ranitidine replacements:

• Famotidine (brand name Pepcid)
• Cimetidine (brand name Tagamet)