Worldwide recall of over-the-counter rantidine products

The Perrigo Company plc has issued a worldwide voluntary recall of all sizes of over-the-counter (OTC) products containing ranitidine because they may be contaminated with a nitrosamine impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) which is believed to be carcinogenic in humans, according to a Department of Defense All Food and Drug Activity message sent Oct. 24.

Ranitidine is an OTC and prescription product used for the relief of heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach and prevents heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach brought on by eating or drinking certain foods and beverages.

After testing, Perrigo halted shipments of the ranitidine-based products and issued the voluntary recall.

The Defense Commissary Agency has publicized this recall to all its stores, said Richard Stith, Chief, Public Health Division, DeCA headquarters at Fort Lee, Virginia. Whenever a commissary has recalled or withdrawn products in its inventory, they are immediately removed from store shelves.   

The following products are affected by this recall:

• Retail customer-level OTC Ranitidine, All brand names and sizes

Customers should return any of these products to the commissary of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Perrigo Company plc Customer Support at (888) 817-2180.