According to a recent safety warning posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, pharmaceutical company Apotex Corp. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of ranitidine, a generic version of Zantac.

In addition to the brand name recall, some drug companies have also posted generic Zantac recall announcements and withdrawn the products from stores including CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens.

Brand Name and Generic Zantac Recall Announcement

Apotex Corp. posted their voluntary Zantac recall on Sept. 25 due to concerns that the drugs may contain an impurity known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen, meaning that it is likely capable of causing cancer.

The waste product and common environmental contaminant is sometimes found in medications due to the manufacturing process or other factors. Side effects of NDMA exposure may include bladder or stomach cancer, as well as other serious adverse reactions.

According to CNN, due to the risk of contaminated medications, several pharmaceutical retailers including CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens have pulled Zantac and generic heartburn products from the shelves due to the possibility of NDMA contamination.

According to the Zantac recall, consumers who currently have the recalled drugs in their possession are recommended to return these products to the place of purchase.

Apotex claims that the recall is preemptive, and that the company has not yet received reports of adverse events or reactions due to the possible contamination. Consumers who have experienced side effects after taking possibly contaminated Zantac tablets may report these reactions to the FDA or to Apotex.

About Zantac and NDMA

Zantac and generic ranitidine tablets are over the counter oral pills meant to treat and prevent heartburn and acid indigestion, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcers. Zantac belongs to a class of drugs known as histamine-2 blockers. These drugs are a common type of medication, and are estimated to be taken by at least 15 million people each year.

NDMA is an environmental contaminant that may have harmful consequences for humans. Side effects of Zantac tainted with NDMA may include bladder or stomach cancer, as well as damage to the kidneys and lungs, jaundice, fever, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain.

Several lawsuits have already been filed against Apotex due to the brand name and generic Zantac recall. According to plaintiffs, pharmaceutical companies have an obligation to know of and advise the medical community and patients about any contamination or side effects associated with their products.

Due to Apotex’s failure to previously warn patients of the possible link between Zantac and NDMA, patients who have been harmed or suffered side effects due to the possible contamination may be able to hire an attorney and pursue litigation.

Victims who file lawsuits due to the brand name and generic Zantac recall may be able to collect compensation for damages including injuries, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.