AUGUST 10, 2017

Petition Urges Strong Warnings on OTC Heartburn Drugs

Group says patients unaware of cancer risk from chronic reflux

Should an over-the-counter drug carry a warning even—or especially—if it successfully suppresses symptoms? An advocacy group is about to find out with a petition asking the FDA to put warnings about esophageal cancer on every package of nonprescription heartburn medication.

The petition, which is now soliciting public comment, would warn users that persistent heartburn can indicate a higher risk for esophageal cancer, and that the medication doesn’t eliminate that risk even if