Company Announcement Date: September 23, 2019

FDA Publish Date: September 23, 2019

Product Type: Drugs

Reason for Announcement: Due to an Elevated Amount of Unexpected Impurity, N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)

Company Name: Sandoz Inc.

Brand Name: Sandoz Inc.

Product Description: Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules

Sandoz Inc. is voluntarily recalling all quantities and lots within expiryof Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules in the US to the consumer level because of confirmed contamination with N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) above levels established by the FDA in batches of Sandoz Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules. To date, Sandoz has not received any reports of adverse events related to use of the product as part of this recall.

Risk Statement: NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) based on results from laboratory tests. NDMA is a known environmental contaminant and found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables.

Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules is an oral product, indicated for the treatment of duodenal ulcer, benign gastric ulcer, reflux esophagitis, post-operative peptic ulcer, Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, and other conditions where reduction of gastric secretion and acid output is desirable. The affected Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsule can be identified by NDC numbers stated on the product label. 

The affected Sandoz Ranitidine includes 30 count, 60 count and 500 count bottles in the following lots:

The product can be identified by the NDC number and lot number provided above. Sandoz Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules were distributed nationwide to wholesalers.

Sandoz will be notifying its distributors and customers via overnight mail and via the Sandoz web site, and will arrange for return of all recalled products. Wholesalers (direct customers) will be asked to immediately stop distribution and return any stock to Sandoz, and contact the retail pharmacies in their group to do the same. Pharmacies will be asked to immediately stop dispensing Sandoz Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules and return remaining stock to Sandoz by contacting Stericycle to request a recall packet. Consumers are asked to continue taking their medication and speak to their physician or pharmacist on alternate healthcare treatment options.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Sandoz at 1-800-525-8747 option # between 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday EST or www.us.sandoz.com

External Link Disclaimer

for more information. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product. This information and package photos are available at  

https://www.us.sandoz.com/patients-customers/product-safety-notices

External Link Disclaimer

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.