…not yet making any moves.
“The FDA reported that the levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine in preliminary tests barely exceed amounts found in common foods,” says a Sanofi spokesperson. “We are working closely with the FDA and are conducting our own robust investigations to ensure we continue to meet the highest quality safety and quality standards.”
NDMA and two other cancer-causing substances have also led to widespread recalls of blood pressure and heart medications since last year. Manufacturing flaws were blamed for that, but in this case, experts say it’s likely that enzymes in a person’s body react with the ranitidine molecule and actually create NDMA.
Since last year, the FDA has been investigating NDMA and other impurities in blood pressure and heart failure medicines known as angiotensin receptor blockers or ARBs. Numerous recalls have been launched as the FDA found “unacceptable levels” of nitrosamines in several of those common drugs containing valsartan.
Customers who have already bought the products can return them to CVS for a refund, CVS said.