If you didn’t have heartburn before picking up this story, you might end up with it when you’re done. Regular users of the heartburn medication Zantac, listen up! Turns out the pills have been found to be tainted with trace amounts of a substance linked to increased risk for colorectal and uterine cancers.

At this point in time this isn’t anything more than an alert, something to be aware of. There is no recall or other action being taken, for now. Authorities are still trying to determine whether the levels that have been detected are enough to cause harm to the millions of people taking it. (1)

Though they are unconvinced of the potential for harm because of this finding, it is indeed the same substance that lead to a recall of multiple blood pressure medications in June of 2019. The source of the contamination is still unknown as well. (2)

What Has Tainted The Heartburn Medication?

The substance in question is an impurity known as NDMA. It has most recently been found in Ranitidine, which is more commonly known by its trade name: Zantac. Ranitidine is classified as an H2 (histamine-2) blocker,used for decreasing stomach acid production. Headache, constipation, and diarrhea are the most common side effects, with the vast majority of people experiencing no side effects at all. (3)

This alert doesn’t include other brands of heartburn medication such as Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec because they all have a different active ingredient.

NDMA may cause harm in large doses (it has been linked to colorectal and uterine cancers), but authorities are still determining whether there is anything of concern here, given the small amounts they are finding. NDMA is listed as a probable human carcinogen, and a known environmental contaminant. It is routinely found in water and foods: meat, dairy, and vegetables alike. So, part of the concern for you personally is not just what’s in the Zantac, but what’s in your environment as a whole. (4)

Business As Usual With Your Heartburn Medication

Doctors say that while the decision is being made on what to do with these findings, people should continue taking their medication as normal. It’s important for patients to keep in mind that the vast majority of people experience no side effects at all, and when they do, they are typically very mild. (1)

Where your unique case is concerned the pros and cons were weighed, and the pros won. This type of medication serves to stave off acid production, which was definitely causing health issues before. So if acid production resumes, you’re definitely back to square one! But researchers believe there may be no issue at all with the levels of NDMA in Zantac, so no action is the right action for now. As always, be vigilant but stay the course. Learn more about NDMA, and where it might be found in your environment. Keep in touch with the latest news, and make intelligent choices with the guidance of your doctor. Taking care of yourself isn’t just about taking medication; it’s about the whole you! It should all work in harmony to bring forth the strongest, healthiest you that you can imagine.