Zantac, also known by its generic name ranitidine, is a popular histamine-blocking medication used to treat a range of digestive acid conditions from heartburn to ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Zantac was first introduced in the United States in 1983 and became one of the most widely-used medications in history, with as many as 16 million annual prescriptions in recent years.
Unfortunately, however, experts have discovered increasing amounts of a contaminant called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in many formulations of Zantac that may be a cause of cancer in humans.
The FDA first identified the Zantac NDMA risks in late summer of 2019. In the months that followed, they asked each manufacturer to test their ranitidine supplies and recall any affected batches.
Then, on April 1, 2020, with evidence mounting that NDMA levels in remaining batches of Zantac could increase as the drugs sat in storage, the FDA took the drastic step of recalling every box of Zantac sold in the U.S. to protect consumers.
The FDA also warned patients to “stop taking any tablets or liquid they currently have, dispose of them properly and not buy more.”
Now, as questions mount over whether Zantac makers knew for years that patients may face cancer risks from NDMA, lawyers are helping anyone diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac file lawsuits.
Litigation Update for Zantac
With growing Zantac warnings and eventual recall, many patients wondered if the drug maker knew about the risks before and why they weren’t warned sooner.
Now, information has surfaced suggesting the manufacturer knew for decades that Zantac may contain dangerous levels of NDMA, but did nothing to protect consumers until forced to take action by the FDA.
Even before Zantac was approved for sale in the U.S., a 1981 study from Italy showed potential cancer risks. By raising gut bacteria, doctors found, Zantac can transform nitrates into nitrites, which can then morph into cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines, including NDMA.
Researchers notified the original manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, of these findings, but the company argued that patients wouldn’t have enough of these chemicals in their diets to form carcinogens. They later told the FDA that Zantac would only be used short-term, therefor any substantial cancer risks would be eliminated.
As it turned out, many of the 16 million annual prescriptions of Zantac were for long term use.
Then, in 2004, a study of patients taking Zantac or Tagamet antacids for peptic ulcers found they had an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Finally, even if the manufacturer missed these prior warnings, a 2016 Stanford University study discovered patients taking just 150 milligrams of Zantac had NDMA urine levels 500 times the safe level recommended by the FDA.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with any form of cancer after taking Zantac, you may qualify for substantial financial compensation from a lawsuit.
Fortunately, it’s rather simple to start the legal process, and most aspects can be handled from the comfort of your home.
Our qualified Zantac lawyers will fully investigate your case with a review of your medical and pharmacy records, uncovering details your doctor might not normally discuss with you. They’ll then use the latest research and medical experts to file a defective drug claim against the manufacturer.
DrugNews works only with attorneys and law firms that have successfully handled thousands of pharmaceutical injury lawsuits against the biggest companies. And, we make it easy to speak directly with a lawyer or patient advocate to learn about your legal options.
You can discuss your case, find out if you qualify, and file a claim all within a few days. Plus, you won’t pay anything unless you receive an award.
For more information, or to learn how we can help - call, chat or email us today.
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