Zantac® (ranitidine) is a popular heartburn medication taken by millions of people across the nation. Previously available in prescription and over-the-counter versions, most people tolerated the commonly used drug well, experiencing only mild side effects.
However, in April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered that all ranitidine (the main ingredient found in Zantac®) medications be pulled from the market due to the discovery of the chemical N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, in the drug. NDMA is a known carcinogen in humans.
As a result of the recall, ranitidine products, including Zantac®, will no longer be available for prescription or over-the-counter use in the United States. The FDA has advised people currently taking ranitidine products to stop and safely dispose of any unused medications they may still have at home.