A division of Swiss pharmaceutical maker Novartis is halting distribution of generic Zantac pills over concerns about an ingredient possibly linked to cancer.
Novartis-owned Sandoz has issued a “precautionary distribution stop” of all medicines containing ranitidine, an antacid and antihistamine used to block stomach acid.
The stop “in all our markets will remain in place” until “further clarification,” Novartis said.
“Our internal investigation is ongoing to determine further details,” the company said.
The move came after the Food and Drug Administration last week said it had detected low levels of a probable carcinogen in the heartburn drug Zantac and its generic versions.
Test findings: FDA finds probable carcinogen in Zantac and other heartburn drugs
The probable carcinogen, called NDMA, has also prompted the recall of several versions of blood pressure-lowering pills.
The FDA has not issued a recall for Zantac or generic versions, saying more testing is needed.
