Heartburn medication Zantac and other products are part of a nationwide recall for ranitidine products after multiple companies expressed concerns over product contaminations.
The recall, originally released in September, is now including the over-the-counter medications like Zantac because of the suspected high levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA.)
NDMA is considered to be a possible human carcinogen and long-term exposure to high levels could increase the risk of cancer.
While a possible carcinogen, Health Canada says foods such as meats, dairy and vegetables all contain low levels of NDMA that are not harmful when ingested.
Health Canada says they are working to review the issue of NDMA and other contaminants in blood pressure medications.
For now, companies have stopped the distribution of all ranitidine drugs across Canada until more tests are done to confirm that NDMA levels in these products are safe for consumption.
Health Canada is advising consumers who take a ranitidine medication to speak with their doctor or pharmacist about an alternative treatment option.
A full list of recalled products can be found at healthycanadians.gc.ca.
–– KitchenerToday