The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is considering recalling the popular heartburn medication Zantac over mounting concerns it has links to cancer.

France and Canada have already ordered Zantac off of stores shelves.  In the US, the major pharmacy chain CVS has suspended sales of Zantac, following in the steps of rivals Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid.  The US government, Canada, and 14 other governments are inching closer to nationwide recalls.

The TGA found the known carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in 44 products with ranitidine, which is the active ingredient in Zantac.  The US and other countries also found NDMA in such medicines.  NDMA is found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables, but is not expected to cause harm when ingested in very low levels.

But the TGA says the results were "of concern".  

"Several major suppliers are expected to announce voluntary recall actions before COB Monday," a TGA spokesperson told 10 daily.  "These recalls plus the one already in progress by Sandoz Australia will now cover the vast majority of stock in the market