US retailer CVS has been quick to discontinue the sale of Zantac, a heartburn drug that is believed to have links to cancer.

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CVS has reacted following concerns from other countries which claimed that Zantac and Ranitide had a share of impurities that can lead to cancer.

France and Canada are some of the countries that have already talked about suspending Zantac. 

In the meantime, the investigative efforts from the European Union and the US would help establish if the drug truly has the unthought-of impurities.

Zantac has been a common name on the market scene for many years

It has been thought of as an effective drug which is also safe enough to be sold over the counter with the aim of combatting heartburn. 

The drug has also been administered to infants for years.

Fortunately enough, on September 13, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which acted as the whistleblower reported low levels of a cancer-causing chemical in samples of ranitidine. 

The agency directed patients who were buying ranitidine from over the counter to adjust to another medication.

The FDA together with EMA European Medicines Agency's decision to review the drug would help establish the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in medicines having components of the drug ranitidine.

NDMA is considered a probable human carcinogen (a cancer-causing substance or agent).

According to EMA, NDMA isn't anything to worry about if ingested in low quantities. Component of NDMA can be found in meats, dairy products, vegetables and also in water.

Ranitidine which in most cases are available over the counter help to halt the production of stomach acid in patients experiencing heartburn stomachs ulcers.

Walgreens, Walmart and Rite Aid in the US had earlier suspended the use of Zantac, putting them in the same position as France and Canada. 

Canada and France have already wiped the drugs from pharmacy shelves with several countries following in the footsteps.

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