OTTAWA - According to Health Canada, Pharmascience Inc. is recalling 18 lots of over-the-counter ranitidine drugs (75 mg and 150 mg tablets) after tests found NDMA, a nitrosamine impurity, close to and above the acceptable level. The products are sold under various private labels.
Consumers may refer to the Affected Products table at https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/ranitidine-products-recalled-because-nitrosamine-impurity#wb-auto-54 for detailed information on the recalled lots.
Consumers and patients who are taking a ranitidine drug should:
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist at your earliest convenience about alternative, non-ranitidine treatment options appropriate for your health circumstances. There are many prescription and over-the-counter drug alternatives in Canada that are authorized for the same or similar uses as ranitidine.
- Individuals taking a prescription ranitidine drug, including a recalled product, should not stop taking it unless they have spoken to their health care provider and obtained alternative treatment, as the risk of not treating the condition may be greater than the risk related to NDMA exposure
- Contact your health care provider if you have taken a ranitidine product and you have concerns about your health
- Report any health product adverse events or complaints to Health Canada.
Should any additional recalls be necessary, Health Canada will update the table above and inform Canadians.
