As of April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated the immediate withdrawal of all Zantac brand heartburn medications, both prescription and non-prescription, due to concerns over NDMA contamination. NDMA is a substance recognized for its potential carcinogenic effects. The inaugural lawsuit against Zantac emerged in California in 2019. Within this legal action, plaintiffs level allegations against pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, claiming these entities produced, marketed, and distributed a product allegedly tainted with an industrial chemical known to be carcinogenic, despite being aware or reasonably expected to be aware of such contamination.
NDMA, recognized for its cancer-causing potential, also acts as a potent hepatotoxin. Exposure to NDMA in the short term can lead to liver damage, evidenced by conditions such as liver fibrosis and scarring. Long-term exposure is linked with an increased risk of developing tumors in organs, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs. The range of symptoms attributed to excessive NDMA exposure is extensive. It includes headaches, fever, and nausea, progressing to more serious conditions such as jaundice, vomiting, abdominal cramps, liver enlargement, and a decline in liver, kidney, and lung function. Dizziness is also a noted symptom.Other adverse effects that have been associated with Zantac include:
Deciding on a safe Zantac replacement is something you should discuss with your doctor. The FDA recommends the following Zantac alternatives:
Prilosec (omeprazole) A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication commonly used to treat stomach acid-related conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Nexium (esomeprazole) A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production and treats GERD, ulcers, and other conditions.
Prevacid (lansoprazole) A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) recommended for short-term ulcer and acid reflux treatment.
Pepcid (famotidine) An H2 blocker that treats ulcers, GERD, and conditions that cause excess stomach acid.
Tagamet (cimetidine) An H2 blocker that reduces acid in the stomach to treat ulcers and acid reflux.