If you developed cancer after taking ranitidine or Zantac, do not hesitate to contact Tamaki Law. You might be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer.
Zantac (ranitidine) can treat the symptoms associated with stomach and throat conditions. It’s commonly used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, and ulcers.
Researchers discovered a link between taking Zantac and developing a form of cancer, such as stomach cancer or esophageal cancer. The results of multiple studies show a carcinogen called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) found in numerous batches of ranitidine.
The pharmaceutical companies responsible for manufacturing Zantac knew about the presence of NDMA and the risks of exposure. They didn’t provide adequate warning of the dangers people face while taking the medication. You have a right to hold the manufacturer liable for the disease you developed from NDMA exposure.
Tamaki Law is ready to pursue your mass tort case and seek the money you’re entitled to for your medical bills and other expenses. You should not be forced to pay for your treatment when a pharmaceutical company’s negligence places you in harm’s way. You can depend on our Zantac mass tort lawyers to fight for you. Call us today at (800) 801-9564 for your free consultation.
What Is Zantac?
The chemical name for Zantac is ranitidine hydrochloride. This type of drug is a histamine H-2 receptor antagonist (H2 blocker). It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
It’s a popular antacid many people around the country use. It comes in multiple dosages between 75 and 150 milligrams (mg). It’s available as a prescription or over the counter.
Zantac can alleviate symptoms of multiple conditions, including acid reflux and heartburn. It’s also effective in treating other stomach, throat, and gastrointestinal issues. It can even help with symptoms of allergies.
Researchers studied the drug to determine its link to cancer. After discovering the presence of NDMA, they realized the carcinogen could cause inflammation in the body, eventually leading to different types of cancer.
The studies also show evidence of failure to warn by Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, and other manufacturers. The drug companies didn’t include the risk of getting cancer on the warning labels for their generic and brand medications.
Types of Zantac (ranitidine) Products
Generic ranitidine and Zantac could be the reason you developed cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested various types of the drug and found NDMA levels well above the approved daily limit.
The most common include:
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength
- Heartburn relief (ranitidine)
- Wal-Zan 75
- Acid Control (ranitidine)
- Zantac 75 Tablets
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength Cool Mint
- Acid Reducer (ranitidine)
- Zantac 150 Tablets
- Wal-Zan 150
You should stop taking Zantac or ranitidine immediately, especially if you notice any unusual side effects. Consult your physician about another medication you can take to treat your medical problem. Taking Zantac doesn’t mean you will develop cancer. However, you should look into other options to prevent complications.
Significant Levels of NDMA Found in Zantac
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the results of laboratory tests, NDMA is a probable human carcinogen. Many companies have used the liquid chemical in products, such as antioxidants, rocket fuel, and lubricants. However, it’s not available for commercial use anymore. Researchers only produce it for their studies.
NDMA can contaminate anything around you, from the air you breathe to the water you drink. The FDA recommends a daily intake limit of 96 nanograms (ng) per tablet. However, Valisure performed a study on a batch of Zantac and found levels up to 3,267,968 ng per tablet.
The scientists involved in the research discovered a chemical reaction that occurs when the ranitidine contacts water. The direct contact forms NDMA and levels can increase over time, especially when storing the medication above room temperature. NDMA levels between 23,600 and 304,500 ng were also discovered when studying the reaction between ranitidine and stomach acids.
Stanford University also studied levels of NDMA in a group of volunteers’ urine. The researchers took a urine sample from each person before and after administering 150 mg of ranitidine. NDMA levels increased from 110 ng to 47,600 ng after the people ingested the drug.
Common Side Effects Associated with Zantac
Long-term and regular use of Zantac (ranitidine) increases exposure to NDMA. It can lead to various medical issues, including:
- Hair loss
- Jaundice
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Increased risk of pneumonia
- Liver failure
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Rashes
- Low blood platelet levels
- Hepatitis
- Nervous system disorders
Different types of cancer could also develop from Zantac use, such as:
- Prostate cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Brain cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Throat cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
Reach out to Tamaki Law immediately if you believe your medical condition or cancer resulted from your Zantac or ranitidine regimen. We can investigate your case and determine whether you are entitled to compensation from the drug company.
FDA Recall of Zantac and Ranitidine
The FDA requested manufacturers to remove all ranitidine products from the market on April 1, 2020. This recall includes Zantac medications in prescription and over-the-counter forms.
After performing new tests and evaluating the results of studies by third-party labs, the FDA determined the level of NDMA increases over time and could expose consumers to unacceptable levels of the carcinogen.
The suppliers and manufacturing companies involved in the recall include:
- Sanofi-Aventis
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
- Precision Dose Inc.
- Pfizer
- American Health Packaging
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Lannett Company Inc.
- Perrigo Company PLC
- Apotex
- Golden State Medical Supply Inc.
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- DentonPharma Inc.
- Aurobindo Pharma USA
- Sandoz (Novartis)
- Novitium Pharma LLC
- Denton Pharma dba Northwind Pharmaceuticals
- Appco Pharma LLC
Forty-three countries worldwide, including Canada, Japan, France, and Australia, also issued bans, warnings, or recalls of their Zantac and ranitidine products.
Compensation Available in a Zantac Mass Tort Lawsuit
A mass tort case involves lawsuits from multiple individuals combined into a single legal action against the same defendant. Each plaintiff works on the unique parts of their cases separately but pursues compensation based on a similar negligent act.
You might qualify for a mass tort lawsuit against the Zantac manufacturer. The compensation you receive could cover the losses you suffered due to the adverse effects of NDMA exposure.
Your compensable losses could include:
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Loss of consortium (claims made by a spouse impacted by the incident)
Tamaki Law can review the circumstances of your case and determine whether you’re eligible to participate in a mass tort lawsuit.
Contact Us
If you were diagnosed with cancer or another medical condition due to NDMA exposure from taking Zantac or ranitidine, contact Tamaki Law today. One of our Zantac mass tort lawsuit lawyers can meet you for a free consultation to discuss your available legal options.
Call us right now at (800) 801-9564. We have fought for our clients since 1994 and are ready to do the same for you.