There had been rumblings for some time about the risk in taking Zantac, the popular antacid and heartburn over the counter medication . . . but it just escalated with new findings and everyone is encouraged to throw out any they still have at home.

Health regulators in the United States have already told drug makers to nix their production, as well as enforcing pharmacies and grocers get it off their shelves immediately.

The Food and Drug Administration has found there is a greater risk than previously thought in prescription AND over the counter ranitidine (AKA Zantac) with the drug now being considered a carcinogen (meaning it is capable of causing cancer)!

It was just last year the Food and Drug Administration was thinking Zantac users could continue using the medication as it was not deemed at the time as a high risk . . . but, that decision has now been reversed.

The experts have officially found that the chemical levels do increase over time — especially depending on how the medication is stored (particularly talking about pills and tablets that are stored at higher temperatures).

It’s just too much of an “unacceptable risk to patients,” declares the Food and Drug Administration . . . especially when there are so many alternatives to treat heartburn and acid reflux.

You have options in Tagament, Nexium, and Prilosec — to name a few. Plus, Prilosec is safe for anyone who is pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

Jai’s doctor suggested Prilosec to her, but keep in mind it’s not a medication to take as you need it . . . it’s preventative and works best when taken daily, and at the same time each day.

While there were a good number of stores who chose to pull Zantac from their shelves last year, the rest have no been mandated to remove any that are remaining.

(Newser)