Sponsored By

Retailers halt sale of Zantac, ranitidine OTC medicines

Some heartburn relief products may contain possible carcinogen, FDA warns

Russell Redman

October 2, 2019

2 Min Read
Supermarket News logo in a gray background | Supermarket News

In response to a Food and Drug Administration alert, Hy-Vee, Raley's and Walmart announced they've suspended the sale of all over-the-counter Zantac and private-label ranitidine products, a heartburn relief medication.

Hy-Vee and Raley's said they've pulled all OTC Zantac and TopCare ranitidine products “out of an abundance of caution” after the FDA issued a warning last month that ranitidine medicines may contain the impurity nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen. Walmart said it's withdrawing all OTC ranitidine products in stores — including Sam's Club — and online under the Zantac, Equate and Member’s Mark brands.

The retailers said customers who purchased these medicines may return them for a refund. Raley's said members of its Something Extra loyalty program who bought the products within the last three months were notified of this issue via phone and email.

Part of the H2 (histamine-2) blocker drug class, ranitidine reduces production of stomach acid. Hy-Vee said its stores and pharmacies will continue to sell other over-the-counter H2 blockers, including the Pepcid and Tagamet brands and their respective generic equivalents, famotidine and cimetidine.

In a Sept. 13 statement, the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said some ranitidine medicines, including some Zantac products, contain low levels of NDMA, an environmental contaminant found in water and foods, including meat, dairy products and vegetables. The agency said it has been investigating NDMA and other nitrosamine impurities in blood pressure and heart failure medicines (angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs) since last year, and the NDMA levels found in ranitidine in early tests “barely exceed amounts you might expect to find in common foods.”

Related:Hy-Vee urges reform on pharmacy remuneration fees

The nation's largest drugstore chains — CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and Rite Aid — previously announced they were suspending sales of some ranitidine products pending the FDA’s further investigation. Drug maker Apotex has recalled 75-mg and 150-mg generic and OTC ranitidine products sold at Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart, while Sandoz has issued a recall for certain lots of 150-mg and 300-mg generic ranitidine products.

OTC ranitidine is indicated to prevent and alleviate heartburn associated with acid ingestion and sour stomach, while prescription ranitidine is indicated for multiple conditions, including treatment and prevention of ulcers of the stomach and intestines and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

"The FDA is evaluating whether the low levels of NDMA in ranitidine pose a risk to patients," according to Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The FDA said consumers may want to consider other medications that treat their condition. "The agency is working with international regulators and industry partners to determine the source of this impurity in ranitidine," Woodcock added. "The agency is examining levels of NDMA in ranitidine and evaluating any possible risk to patients. The FDA will take appropriate measures based on the results of the ongoing investigation."

Related:Hy-Vee acquires Weber & Judd Pharmacies

*Editor's Note: Article updated with new information on suspension of ranitidine product sales.

Read more about:

Rite Aid

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like