The FDA recalled Zantac and ranitidine medicines on April 1, 2020, after testing found unacceptable levels of the human carcinogen NDMA in its testing batches. Sustained exposure to high levels of NDMA can lead to cancer. Our Zantac lawsuit experts represent individuals who have developed cancer after long-term use of Zantac and other ranitidine medicines. We are currently reviewing claims nationwide.

If you or a loved one were recently diagnosed with cancer and have a history of taking Zantac, consider speaking with our Zantac legal experts. You may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Our legal experts can help you determine whether you have a viable claim and your best legal options. Get a free case review now.

What Is Zantac?

Zantac is an over-the-counter drug used to prevent and treat heartburn. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zantac in 1983 to treat stomach ulcers. However, it has been used to treat various conditions that cause increased stomach acid since then.

Zantac, and its generic form, called ranitidine, is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist or H2 blocker. H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces. Zantac and ranitidine treat conditions such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Acid reflux
• Stomach ulcers
• Intestinal ulcers
• Heartburn

The FDA Recalls Zantac and Ranitidine Medicines

Zantac and ranitidine medicines are no longer available in the United States. On April 1, 2020, the FDA issued an immediate recall of these medicines, asking drug manufacturers to pull these products from the market.

Zantac and Ranitidine Linked to Cancer

In September 2019, the FDA learned that Zantac and other ranitidine medicines contained low levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a yellow liquid chemical and contaminant. NDMA is classified as a possible human carcinogen or a substance that may cause cancer. An individual who has sustained higher levels of NDMA exposure may be at an increased risk of developing cancer.

At low levels, however, the FDA considers NDMA harmless. According to the FDA, the acceptable daily intake of NDMA is 96 nanograms per day. Humans are exposed to NDMA in certain foods. For example, it naturally occurs in certain vegetables, fruits, cheeses and  alcoholic beverages. It also may form when cooking meats that contain the preservative sodium nitrate.

Through an ongoing investigation and testing, the FDA found that NDMA levels increase in ranitidine medicines over time, even when these medicines are appropriately stored. The longer the drug sits on the shelf at the store, for example, the more NDMA will likely be in it. The FDA also found that when stored at higher than room temperature, the NDMA levels in ranitidine increase significantly. High levels of NDMA are unacceptable for human ingestion and may lead to cancer.

Which Cancers Are Linked to Zantac and Ranitidine?

There is a wide variety of cancers linked to Zantac or ranitidine use in the Zantac lawsuits. These cancers include, but are not limited to:

• Stomach/gastric cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Intestinal cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer

This list does not include every type of cancer linked to Zantac or ranitidine use. If you developed any kind of cancer and have a history of taking Zantac, we recommend that you seek legal help. Our legal experts can help you determine whether you have a viable claim to seek compensation for damages.

Why Are Individuals Filing Zantac Lawsuits?

Individuals who have developed cancer after long-term Zantac and ranitidine use are filing lawsuits against ranitidine manufacturers. The Zantac lawsuits allege that Zantac (ranitidine) caused the plaintiffs to develop cancer. These lawsuits also allege the following:

• Design defect. The lawsuits allege that Zantac and ranitidine medicines are defective drugs that lead to cancer.
• Failure to warn. The lawsuits allege that ranitidine manufacturers failed to warn consumers of the cancer risks of taking these medicines.

Am I Eligible to File a Zantac Lawsuit?

You may qualify to recover compensation through a Zantac lawsuit if the following circumstances apply to you:

• You have used Zantac or another ranitidine medicine for an extended period.
• After ranitidine use, you were later diagnosed with cancer.
• You can prove a connection between your cancer diagnosis and taking Zantac or other ranitidine medicines.

If you suspect that you may have a viable Zantac lawsuit claim, consider reaching out to our legal experts as soon as possible. Every state has a statute of limitations, or time limit, about how long you have to bring a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file a claim. Our experienced Zantac lawsuit experts can review the circumstances of your situation and help you determine whether you have a viable claim.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Zantac Lawsuit?

You may be able to seek economic and non-economic damages through a Zantac lawsuit. Economic damages, or quantitative money losses, may include, but are not limited to:

• Past and future medical expensive
• Lost income
• Loss of future earning potential
• Funeral expenses

Non-economic damages include subjective, non-monetary losses. Examples of non-economic damages include, but are not limited to:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of normal life
• Loss of companionship

How Can Our Zantac Legal Experts Help You? Request a Free Confidential Consultation Today to Discuss Your Potential Claim.

Our Zantac lawsuit experts have extensive experience handling cases involving dangerous drugs, products and medical devices. If you or a loved one were diagnosed with cancer and have a history of taking Zantac or ranitidine medicines, you may have a viable claim to recover compensation.

During a free, no-obligation consultation, we can answer any legal questions you may have about your potential claim. Then, we can help you to determine your best legal options.

You can fill out our online contact form and a legal expert will be in touch with you soon.