Drugmakers in spotlight as GSK recalls Zantac

Popular heartburn medicine Zantac may be rather less popular after a move by its makers to recall it.

The decision, says GlaxoSmithKline, a 'precaution' ...

After the U.S. FDA found "unacceptable" levels of probable cancer-causing impurity in the drug.

It's not the first such move for what is also sold generically as ranitidine.

Swiss drugmaker Novartis halted global distribution last month.

Last week, Walmart and CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid suspended over-the-counter sales.

Canada has asked drugmakers to halt distribution - Ireland and Hong Kong have pulled products.

UK regulators said GSK was recalling four prescription-only Zantac medicines.

An over-the-counter version made by a different company is not affected.

Also in the sector spotlight: Johnson & Johnson.

The drugs and consumer goods giant ordered to pay eight billion dollars in punitive damages ...

To a plaintiff in the US, a Philadelphia jury has said.

The damages dwarf an initial 680,000 dollar award ...

Which concerns claims J&J failed to warn that young men using its antipsychotic drug Risperdal could grow breasts.

Thousands of Risperdal cases are pending in the state.