Zantac
Contamination, Recall, and Rising Cancer Rates
Since Zantac hit pharmacy shelves in 1983, people all over the United States have trusted that the household name was a safe and effective solution to heartburn. Zantac was so effective for heartburn that by 2004 the FDA even approved the sale of over-the-counter Zantac.
However, in late 2019, the first alarm bells rang when Valisure reported finding NDMA, a known carcinogenic, in generic (ranitidine) and name brand Zantac.
By April 2020, the FDA recalled all ranitidine products sold in the United States, including Zantac.
Here's everything you need to know about the Zantac, the link to cancer, and how you can hold big corporations accountable for their actions.
Zantac, NDMA, and Rising Cancer Rates
Zantac (ranitidine) is an H2 Blocker. Zantac's active ingredient, ranitidine, reduces stomach acid by blocking the chemical responsible for producing acid. People use ranitidine to treat heartburn, indigestion, stomach ulcers, and GERD.
However, recent studies have shown that ranitidine frequently becomes contaminated by N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
NDMA is a yellow, odorless liquid chemical that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies as a group 2A agent. It usually occurs when certain chemicals bind together.
According to an EPA fact sheet, "NDMA is a semivolatile organic chemical that forms in both industrial and natural processes." 1
In small amounts, NDMA isn't harmful to humans. However, studies report a link between higher doses of NDMA exposure and various cancers, including bladder, stomach, esophageal, liver, and pancreatic.
In other words, NDMA belongs to a family of highly carcinogenic elements.
How Does Zantac Become Contaminated with NDMA
There are several ways NDMA contaminations can occur.
Zantac can become contaminated with NDMA during the manufacturing process. According to a study published in Annals of Pharmacotherapy, "NDMA can be ... introduced from contaminated ingredients procured elsewhere or from contaminated solvents and catalysts." 2
Other theories suggest that NDMA can form as ranitidine interacts with chemicals in the stomach.
When NDMA contaminates a product, researchers typically see a decline in potency of the NDMA over time. However, ranitidine seems more unstable than previously thought, making its relationship with NDMA more complex. As products containing ranitidine age and the molecules break down, instead of decreasing levels of NDMA, studies show an increase.
According to studies conducted by the FDA, the agency "has found N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) levels in some ranitidine products increase with time and temperature, posing a risk to consumers." 3
One study published in Oncologist showed ranitidine NDMA contaminations that exceeded the FDA-recommended acceptable daily consumption.
"Estimates suggest that the average intake of the volatile nitrosoamines (including NDMA) from food sources is about 1 microgram per day. The Food and Drug Administration has identified 96 nanograms per day as the upper limit of safe daily ingestion from medicines." 4
In short, the Zantac that's been sitting in your medicine cabinet for years is potentially more dangerous to your health than a fresh batch pulled straight off the grocery shelves during the FDA recall.
The FDA considers ranitidine such a high risk to consumers that manufacturers can no longer sell it in the United States.
What to Do if You Took Zantac with Ranitidine
For people taking OTC heartburn medication, as of the 2020 recall, manufacturers reformulated Zantac. The active ingredient in Zantac today is famotidine which the FDA considers safe for human consumption.
There are also other approved H2 blockers on the market that work similarly to ranitidine.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac or a ranitidine medication, talk to your doctor and call us immediately. We are currently investigating Zantac cancer cases to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Zantac Lawsuits
Currently, over 500 lawsuits are pending against the manufacturers of Zantac. These lawsuits aim to defend the rights of Americans who suffered because of the drug manufacturer's greed and deceptive marketing tactics.
While Zantac rallied after the FDA recall by introducing Zantac 360, a ranitidine-free product, there's a mounting body of evidence that suggests that the manufacturers of Zantac knew the dangers of their product. They failed to warn the public of those risks while continuing to sell their product by marketing it as a safe and effective answer to heartburn.
The Zantac lawsuits allege that the company knowingly exposed consumers to high levels of NDMA without warning them of the risks. Individuals involved in the Zantac lawsuits seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical monitoring, medical treatment, expenses, and the cost of unusable drugs.
Is a Lawsuit Right for Me?
A cancer diagnosis impacts every aspect of your life. It also comes with an emotional and financial burden you and your loved ones should never have to undertake.
While we understand that a lawsuit cannot reverse the damage drug manufacturers have caused, it can help ease the financial burden these companies have caused you.
Change only happens when we hold big corporations accountable.
We cannot continue to let powerful drug corporations and the people running them go unchecked.
Zantac manufacturers put profit over people, and now thousands of American families continue to suffer due to their negligence.
These companies must be held responsible for the devastation and pain they've caused.
Unfortunately, the clock is ticking for many affected by the Zantac contamination. There's no time to waste.
If you took Zantac and were diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation.
Call an experienced Zantac lawyer today to learn more and get your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Our legal experts promise to fight tirelessly to defend your rights and ensure you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
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