Chains Pull Zantac After FDA Finding

Walgreens and CVS have decided to stop selling Zantac in their stores, two weeks after the FDA said it found low levels of a likely carcinogen in some of the heartburn pills. The drugstore chains said the suspension of sales, which also applies to generics, will be in effect while the FDA continues its review, USA Today reports. CVS said it will offer refunds to customers who return the over-the-counter drugs. Some generic versions have already been recalled voluntarily.

The FDA had reported low levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) were found in ranitidine products, which are used to reduce stomach acid; that's the same contaminant that has been found in some blood pressure medicines, per NBC. NDMA has been found to increase the risk of certain cancers. The FDA has not recommended that people stop taking the medication. Canada's government has asked that companies stop distributing the medicine until its review is completed, per ABC. (More on the concerns here.)