The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported finding low levels of cancer-causing components (carcinogens) in popular heartburn drug Zantac and its generics. The preliminary results shared by the organization show traces of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) which it said that the chemical can cause cancer when consumed in higher concentration.
The FDA also said that it is still investigating if the traces of NDMA in these drugs are large enough to pose risk to people. It has yet to come out clear on whether people who are already using the drug should discontinue using it. However, all indications point to hesitancy by FDA to call out the drugs.
Consult your doctor about carcinogens
In a statement released by their spokesperson, Jeremy Kahn, they made it clear that they are not considering recalling the drugs. They also admitted that they do not know how many drugs and products are affected by these chemicals and they are not in the process of advising the patients already on these drugs to stop taking them, bu added:
We do not have any information to share on how many companies’ products could be affected. The FDA will share more information with the public and industry as we learn more throughout the investigation.
An assuring statement was also given by Dr. Janet Woodcock, research director for FDA’s Centers for Drug Evaluation and Research. Who indicated that the levels that they were able to investigate in the lab and were confirmed are just normal. She continued by saying that you would expect such levels of NDMA in some food substances and nobody should be alarmed for now about the possibility of getting cancer. More information is also expected to be given as more results come in.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a common complaint of students and they are likely to take these heartburn drugs and expose themselves to cancer. Heartburn is actually a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and is caused by acid refluxing back into the esophagus.
Risk factors include those that increase the production of acid in the stomach, as well as structural problems that allow acid reflux into the esophagus. Some common foods that we eat and drink, stimulate increased stomach acid secretion setting the stage for heartburn. Over-the-counter medications also may precipitate heartburn.
Schools should offer some form of health service for students, especially for families who cannot afford regular consultation. The goals and program elements of school health services vary at the state, community, school district, and individual school levels. Carcinogens are a serious matter and could be avoided with the right health habits.
Some of the factors that contribute to these variations include student needs, community resources for health care, available funding, local preference, leadership for providers of school health services, and the view of health services held by school administrators and other key decisionmakers in the school systems.
