For many people, heartburn is a daily occurrence. It is often managed with over-the-counter medications such as Zantac. Unfortunately, new research shows that Zantac and its generics, known as ranitidine, present a cancer risk to long-term users. On April 1, 2020, the FDA issued a voluntary recall of all over-the-counter and prescription ranitidine drugs, including Zantac.
Why Is Zantac Being Recalled?
The FDA issued the recall after recent testing revealed that Zantac and other ranitidine products contain unsafe levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a semi-volatile organic compound classified as a probable human carcinogen. While we encounter trace amounts of NDMA in our everyday lives, the ingestion of larger amounts of NDMA, over extended periods of time, significantly increases our cancer risk.
Many patients with frequent heartburn have used Zantac or a generic equivalent every day for numerous months or years. Patients with GERD or ulcers may have been prescribed daily doses of ranitidine for similar time periods. The risks of long-term use are currently being studied as the carcinogenic properties of NDMA make the threat of cancer a distinct possibility.
What Cancers Are Associated with NDMA?
As previously stated, NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen and it is known to cause cancer in lab animals. Multiple organs and bodily systems may be affected by exposure to NDMA, increasing the risk of various types of cancer including esophageal, stomach, colorectal, liver, kidney, and bladder, among others.
What Should I Do If I Take Zantac?
In addition to requesting the withdrawal of all ranitidine products from store shelves, the FDA is urging consumers who take ranitidine drugs to stop taking what they have and not buy more. Patients taking prescription ranitidine should consult with their doctor before stopping their ranitidine use.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer after ranitidine exposure, proving that you took the medication and suffered injury is key to mounting an effective claim for compensation. Therefore, even though the FDA is advising consumers to dispose of any Zantac or generics they already have, it may be in your best interest to keep leftover pills, blister packs, bottles, and other packaging, if you can do so in a safe and secure manner. You should also save any receipts, package inserts, and other paperwork showing that you purchased Zantac or ranitidine. The same is true of any member of your family who may have taken these heartburn drugs.
Do I Have a Zantac Cancer Claim?
The investigation and recall of Zantac and generic ranitidine drugs is relatively recent. Although the FDA has determined that unsafe levels of NDMA occur in these products as the compound breaks down over time, negligence on the part of Sanofi (the current manufacturer of Zantac) and other drugmakers remains to be determined.
Ventura Law is carefully monitoring the Zantac recall for developments that may impact our clients.
Dangerous drugs and other defective product cases are complicated. If you suffered serious injury or lost a loved one and you suspect a drug defect may be to blame, it is crucial to hire a law firm with the experience and resources to try your case.
How Ventura Law Can Help
If you or a family member has used Zantac or another ranitidine drug and subsequently been diagnosed with cancer, it may be in your best interest to contact a lawyer. Ventura Law serves clients nationwide. Your initial consultation is free, and our legal team is happy to answer any questions you may have about the dangers of these heartburn medications.
Ventura Law and its legal team are here to help you and your family in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Our attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your medical history, including any over-the-counter and prescription drugs you have taken. We will also consult with your doctors and outside medical experts to investigate the possible role a harmful drug may have had in causing your cancer.
More than this, our law firm is dedicated to providing compassionate support in what is surely a trying time for you and your loved ones. To our team, you are more than just a case; you are an individual facing profoundly difficult circumstances, and we consider it our duty to explore all avenues of recovery on your behalf.
Contact Ventura Law for a Zantac Consultation
As news about the FDA recall and the dangers of Zantac and ranitidine continue to develop, Ventura Law is currently reviewing claims from users of these drugs who have been diagnosed with cancer. We will review your case for free in a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Attorneys from our legal team serve clients nationwide.
To get started, please call Ventura Law at (203) 800-8000 or contact us online.