Titanium dioxide still in medications

Titanium dioxide, known by the code E171, was banned from food in France in 2020 and across the EU in 2022. However, it remains legally allowed in more than 4,000 medications due to a lack of safe alternatives.

Regulatory difference between food and medicine

The European Medicines Agency has allowed the continued use of titanium dioxide in medications since 2022, giving pharmaceutical companies three years to find safe replacements. As of 2025, no viable alternatives have been found, so its use continues.

Scientific concerns about titanium dioxide

Studies on animals and cell cultures have linked titanium dioxide nanoparticles to immune, inflammatory, and metabolic issues. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as a possible human carcinogen as early as 2007.

Legal challenge to continued use

The association Avicenn filed a lawsuit with the European Court in October 2025, citing over 30 scientific studies that highlight potential health risks. Similar groups in other EU countries are supporting this legal action.

How to identify titanium dioxide in medications

Consumers can check the medication leaflet for mentions of titanium dioxide or E171 in the list of excipients. Pharmacists can also provide information about a medication's composition.

Avoiding titanium dioxide in treatments

To avoid titanium dioxide, consumers can choose effervescent or drinkable forms of medication, which generally do not contain it. They can also use the QR code on medication packaging or consult the public database of medications to find alternatives by international non-proprietary names.