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. There are Zantac lawsuit attorneys who want to help anyone affected by the medication. They wish to represent individuals who have developed cancer after long-term use of Zantac and other ranitidine medicines. If you or a loved one were recently diagnosed with cancer and have a history of taking Zantac, consider speaking with experts who can help because you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages.
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, consumers have been using Zantac to treat various conditions that cause increased stomach acid. Zantac, and its generic form, called ranitidine, is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist or H2 blocker. As a result, these H2 blockers can 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. Additionally, the FDA also found that when stored at higher than room temperature, the NDMA levels in ranitidine increase significantly. Now, 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. That being said, 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 speak with an experienced Zantac lawsuit expert.
Why Are Individuals Filing Zantac Lawsuits?
Individuals who have developed cancer after long-term Zantac and ranitidine use are filing lawsuits against ranitidine manufacturers. Now, 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 attorneys as soon as possible. Now, every state has a statute of limitations, or time limit, about how long you have to bring a lawsuit. That said, if you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file a claim. Our experienced Zantac lawsuit attorneys 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 Lawyers Help You? Request a Free Confidential Consultation Today to Discuss Your Potential Claim
Our team has 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. That being said, it’s important for you to find legal experts who can help you with the process.
