If a doctor diagnosed you with cancer after taking Zantac or ranitidine, contact the prescription drug lawsuit attorneys of Wallace Miller immediately. You might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other incurred expenses. We could represent you in your claim or determine whether you’re eligible to join a mass tort lawsuit.
Zantac (ranitidine) treats symptoms of various throat and stomach conditions. The most common use is for treating heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach ulcers. It effectively manages pain and other symptoms associated with these medical issues. However, researchers discovered a troubling link between the medication and cancer.
Multiple studies found large amounts of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in batches of ranitidine. The researchers also discovered a link between developing different types of cancer while taking various forms of Zantac. Although the manufacturer knew about the presence of NDMA in its drug and the dangers it could pose to patients, they didn’t disclose any cancer risks on warning labels.
At Wallace Miller, we know the suffering you have experienced since your cancer diagnosis. You took a medication you thought would provide relief for your medical condition. Instead, it caused a terrible disease that required aggressive treatment. The cost of your medical bills can lead to financial strain. If you can’t afford these expenses, you could face significant debt.
Our Zantac lawsuit attorneys are ready to represent you in your case against the negligent manufacturer. We could file a civil lawsuit on your behalf and seek the compensation you’re entitled to for your illness. You might even qualify for a mass tort lawsuit. Our legal team will review the details of your case and determine what we can do to help.
Call Wallace Miller at (312) 261-6193 today and learn more about the available legal options.
How Zantac Works
The active ingredient in Zantac tablets and syrup is ranitidine hydrochloride. This type of ingredient is a histamine H-2 receptor antagonist.
This ingredient reduces the amount of stomach acid produced when it’s taken before meals or drinking beverages that can cause indigestion. The antacid is available in different dosages, from 75 to 150 milligrams (mg). You can purchase the drug over-the-counter or as a prescription.
Zantac (ranitidine) relieves the symptoms of heartburn, acid, reflux, and similar conditions. It can also treat gastrointestinal, throat, and stomach problems as well as allergy symptoms.
Researchers performed studies to determine whether there is a link between cancer and antacid medicine. They discovered that traces of NDMA found in the drug could lead to inflammation within the body and eventually cause cancer.
Studies also found evidence that Boehringer Ingelheim, Sanofi-Aventis, and other manufacturing companies didn’t warn patients or doctors of the risks of cancer from taking Zantac. There were no warning labels on the bottles that included information about the potential dangers of taking the drug.
Types of Zantac (ranitidine) Medications
The brand name Zantac and generic ranitidine might be the reason for your cancer diagnosis. After performing multiple tests, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found levels of NDMA significantly above the approved daily limit.
The different types and dosages of Zantac (ranitidine) found to be contaminated by NDMA include:
- Wal-Zan 75
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength
- Wal-Zan 150
- Heartburn relief (ranitidine)
- Acid Reducer (ranitidine)
- Zantac 150 Tablets
- Zantac 75 Tablets
- Acid Control (ranitidine)
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength Cool Mint
It’s critical to immediately stop taking Zantac and ask your doctor about other medications you could use to treat your medical condition. Even if you currently take or used to take Zantac or ranitidine and developed cancer, it does not necessarily mean the drug is responsible for your diagnosis. You should contact Wallace Miller, so we can investigate and determine whether you have a case to pursue.
Studies on NDMA Contamination
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies NDMA as a group 2A carcinogen. That means it is probably carcinogenic to humans. Many companies utilized the chemical in their products over the years, including rocket fuel, antioxidants, and lubricants. It is no longer available for commercial use. Only researchers store and use the carcinogen to perform studies.
NDMA can contaminate drinking water, food, and the air. The FDA advises up to 0.096 micrograms, or 0.32 parts per million (ppm) of NDMA, is a reasonable amount for daily human consumption. However, one particular study found up to 3,267,968 nanograms per tablet of NDMA in a batch of Zantac. That’s 3,268 micrograms.
The scientists researching the medication discovered a chemical reaction occurs when ranitidine comes into contact with water. It causes NDMA to form and increases the levels over time, especially when stored above room temperature. Researchers also studied the reaction between stomach acids and ranitidine and found levels of NDMA between 23,600 and 304,500 ng.
Common Side Effects of Zantac
Regular and prolonged use of Zantac or ranitidine can increase a person’s risk of NDMA exposure. Common adverse effects from long-term NDMA exposure include:
- Liver failure
- Hair loss
- Increased risk of pneumonia
- Jaundice
- Rashes
- Hepatitis
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Nervous system disorders
- Low blood platelet levels
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Zantac use could also lead to various forms of cancer, including:
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney cancer and kidney removal
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
Do not hesitate to contact Wallace Miller and speak with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Zantac lawsuit attorneys. Whether you experienced only mild symptoms of an adverse reaction or developed cancer after taking Zantac, you have a right to pursue legal action.
List of Recalled Zantac and Ranitidine
On April 1, 2020, the FDA requested the removal of Zantac (ranitidine) products from the market. The recall includes over-the-counter and prescription forms of the drug from all manufacturers.
Various companies withdrew their products after the recall, including:
- Pfizer
- Sanofi-Aventis
- Sandoz (Novartis)
- Precision Dose, Inc.
- Lannett Company Inc.
- DentonPharma Inc.
- Appco Pharma LLC
- Golden State Medical Supply Inc.
- Novitium Pharma LLC
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- American Health Packaging
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Apotex
- Reddy’s Laboratories
- Aurobindo Pharma USA
- Perrigo Company PLC
- Denton Pharma dba Northwind Pharmaceuticals
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals
Manufacturers don’t sell Zantac or ranitidine in any form in the United States anymore. Additionally, multiple countries worldwide issued recalls, bans, or warnings regarding the NDMA contamination of ranitidine and Zantac products.
Compensation Available for Complications Associated with Zantac
You could pursue an individual lawsuit against the manufacturer or join a mass tort case. Mass tort litigation involves multiple lawsuits from different plaintiffs combined into one legal action against the same defendant.
The compensation you receive could compensate you for losses you’ve incurred due to your Zantac-related illness, such as:
- Medical bills
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
You might also be able to pursue exemplary or punitive damages whether you file an individual or a mass tort lawsuit. This type of compensation punishes the defendant for their actions and is meant to deter similar behavior in the future. You must show clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s egregious or negligent conduct.
Statute of Limitations for a Zantac Lawsuit
State laws require filing a lawsuit in accordance with a statute of limitations. This statute spells out the timeframe during which you’re allowed to sue the manufacturer for your medical condition. The timeframe begins on the date of your diagnosis and ends after a specified number of years.
Wallace Miller can review the laws in your state to determine the statute of limitations period you must obey. Most have statutory periods between one and five years.
Steps to Take in a Zantac Case
You should take immediate legal action if a doctor diagnosed you with cancer after you were on a Zantac regimen. Since you must adhere to a strict statute of limitations, it’s vital to start preparing your case, so you don’t run out of time.
If you notice any unusual symptoms, visit your doctor. They should evaluate your condition and determine whether you have cancer or developed another type of medical condition. They might recommend following up with a specialist or beginning a course of treatment. You should listen to their orders and attend all necessary appointments regularly.
Hold onto bottles of Zantac if you still have them or the prescriptions you received from your doctors. If you throw them away, you won’t have evidence of taking the medication. You should keep a copy of every hospitalization report, physician’s letter, and treatment record. You should also hold onto your receipts, invoices, and other evidence of your expenses.
Contact Wallace Miller to discuss the matter with one of our Zantac lawsuit attorneys immediately after your diagnosis. We can perform a thorough investigation and gather the available evidence to try to prove your Zantac regimen caused your form of cancer.
Contact Us
At Wallace Miller, our legal team will dedicate the necessary time and attention to every aspect of your case. We know how to locate valuable evidence against manufacturing companies to prove the claims our clients make. You can count on us to be your advocate and fight by your side for the justice you deserve.
If you took Zantac and developed cancer or another medical condition, call Wallace Miller right now at (312) 261-6193 for a free consultation. Let us help you hold the negligent manufacturer liable and recover the maximum compensation you deserve.