Health authorities have issued an urgent nationwide recall after discovering that a widely used over-the-counter medication contained trace amounts of a cancer-causing substance. The recall affects millions of households, as the drug has been one of the most commonly used for years.

The contaminant, identified as NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) — a chemical known to increase the risk of cancer with prolonged exposure — was found during routine safety testing. NDMA is the same compound previously linked to recalls of certain heartburn and blood pressure medications.

Officials have urged consumers to stop using the product immediately and check the lot numbers on their packaging. Pharmacies and health providers have been instructed to remove the affected batches from shelves and notify customers who may have purchased them.

Experts stress that occasional use poses only minimal risk, but prolonged use could lead to serious health consequences over time. “People shouldn’t panic,” one FDA spokesperson said, “but they should take this recall seriously and dispose of the medication safely.”

If you have taken this medication regularly, it’s recommended to contact your healthcare provider for guidance and potential screening.

More details, including affected brands and batch numbers, are expected to be released shortly.