Hy-Vee, Inc. announced Monday evening that they were temporarily suspending the sale of all over-the-counter Zantac brand and Topcare brand heartburn relief products. A company news release stated this action was being taken out of an abundance of caution due to a recent industry-wide product alert from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that these products may contain a low level of nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen.
The FDA is continuing to evaluate whether low levels of NDMA in these products pose a risk to patients. Hy-Vee officials said the levels that the FDA is finding in preliminary tests, “barely exceed amounts found in common foods.”
The FDA issued an official recall on Topcare 75mg heartburn relief products, but no other Zantac brand products and Topcare brand products have been recalled. Customers who purchased these products can return them to Hy-Vee for a full refund.
Hy-Vee stores and Hy-Vee pharmacy locations will continue to sell other over-the-counter heartburn relief products, including Pepcid, Tagamet and their respective generic equivalents.
Customers who have questions are encouraged to speak with their health care provider or their Hy-Vee pharmacist.