A popular and well-known heartburn medication, Zantac®, produced by pharmaceutical company Sanofi, was recalled voluntarily in October of 2019 after complaints of adverse side effects and possible links to cancer. In addition, numerous generic versions of the medicine that contained ranitidine were recalled by their manufacturers.

In April 2020, the FDA officially requested that all manufacturers of ranitidine medications, including Zantac, immediately remove their prescription and over-the-counter products from the marketplace. The FDA began investigating Zantac and other products containing ranitidine after receiving warnings from Valisure, an online pharmacy firm based in Connecticut, about dangerously high levels of a substance known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

NDMA, which had been previously discovered in several recalled blood pressure medications, was once used to produce rocket fuel. It is now classified as a B2 Carcinogen, meaning it is a probable contributor to the development of some cancers. It is also classified as a hepatotoxin, which causes significant liver damage. FDA testing on 18 random ranitidine samples from different manufacturers found that over half contained dangerously high levels of NDMA.

Another report from Harvard Medical School claimed that, “Although the FDA did not observe unacceptable levels of NDMA in many of the samples they tested, they have determined that the impurity in some ranitidine products increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures.”

What Types of Cancer Can Zantac Cause?

Exposure to NDMA in Zantac or other ranitidine medications has been linked to several types of cancer. If you or a loved one took Zantac or another generic form of the medicine for over 60 days, in either prescription or over-the-counter dosages, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury/defective drug claim. The Harman Law Firm, LLC in Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, can provide information and recommendations related to Zantac/ranitidine exposure.

Symptoms of NDMA exposure can include fever, dizziness, abdominal cramps, headaches, jaundice, enlarged liver and reduced organ function. The types of cancers that have been linked to NDMA exposure from taking Zantac or ranitidine include, but are not limited to the following:

• Bladder Cancer
• Brain Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Intestinal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Ovarian Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Stomach Cancer
• Testicular Cancer

Prolonged exposure to NDMA from prescription or over-the-counter Zantac or other ranitidine medications may have put you at risk for developing these or other types of cancer.

What Amount of Compensation Is Available for Zantac Cancer Victims?

Modern treatments for cancer include many expensive medications and treatment protocols, including chemotherapy, radiation and even surgery. Cancer treatments can be especially debilitating, overwhelming the victim and rendering them unable to work or carry out many daily tasks. Many people who undergo cancer treatment require several weeks or months for recovery.

Consequently, the expenses associated with cancer treatment can border on the astronomical. If you or a loved one developed cancer after prolonged exposure to Zantac or other ranitidine medications, you may be entitled to compensation. This financial remuneration can be helpful to cover:

• Current and future medical treatment and recovery costs
• Current and future wages lost due to the nature of treatments
• Pain and suffering of a mental, physical and emotional nature
• Other related expenses

While the manufacturers of Zantac and other ranitidine medications are reluctant to pay settlements, and no compensation is ever guaranteed, Harman Law Firm has the knowledge and experience to pursue your claim, maximizing your chances of being awarded compensation by the courts.

What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Took Zantac?

If you or a loved one took Zantac or another ranitidine over-the-counter or prescription medication, in either pill or liquid form, you should consult with your physician as soon as possible about the risks and other options. Dispose of all remaining Zantac and ranitidine medications according to FDA recommendations.

If you or someone you love developed cancer, that diagnosis may be related to NDMA or other carcinogens contained in Zantac or generic forms of ranitidine. Contact the Harman Law Firm today to schedule a consultation about your possible consumer protection claim.