Researchers Find Correlation Between Zantac (Ranitidine) and Cancer
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC is reviewing cases for joining a class-action lawsuit related to the potential cancer risk in patients who have taken the popular heartburn drug Zantac products (Ranitidine) for heartburn, peptic ulcers, stomach acid, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
If you or a loved one has taken Zantac or Ranitidine drugs and developed liver cancer or cancer in the stomach, colon, or bladder, we urge you to contact our Zantac lawsuit attorneys so you can begin the process of receiving the compensation you deserve through a settlement or jury award from Zantac manufacturers.
Our Zantac recall lawyers are currently reviewing cases from people who have developed cancer after taking Zantac contaminated with high levels of NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine), a probable human carcinogen. All our Zantac cancer cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, where we charge a legal fee only after when we have successfully obtained financial recovery for you.
We invite you to contact our law firm for a free case evaluation.
NDMA Contamination in Zantac Associated With Cancer
Zantac and ranitidine (generic Zantac) are amongst the most popular and widely used over-the-counter antacid medications for the relief of heartburn and acid reflux. Zantac is classified as a heartburn medication drug formulated with H2 blockers, which decrease acid levels in the stomach.
In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers and healthcare professionals that laboratory tests revealed the active ingredients in some ranitidine products are contaminated with high levels of the suspected carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The exposure to the contaminant is believed to raise the risk of certain cancers. The agency has since declared NDMA levels found in these products to be "unacceptably high."
Potentially Carcinogenic Defective Design
The federal government holds pharmaceutical manufacturers to a high standard under strict liability. First, manufacturers of prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs must ensure there is no foreseeable risk and the product's design. Any defect could hold the company legally accountable.
Second, the pharmaceutical company must ensure that the medication is marketed to be used in a way that it was designed. Any defective design that creates a carcinogenic effect would make the product unsafe for use in humans.
Unfortunately, ranitidine hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Zantac, even when taken in a regular dose, can convert into a life-altering carcinogen. Researchers found that the NDMA molecules in Zantac (ranitidine) are inherently unstable. While the chemical might remain stable at the time of manufacturing the heartburn tablets, it can dramatically degrade while in its packaging, or after consumption at a regular dose.
Recall of Zantac Due to Unsafe Levels of NDMA
After much debate, on April 1, 2020, the U.S. FDA ordered all Zantac and ranitidine medications to be immediately recalled from store shelves and online pharmacies. This move comes after the Drug Administration found that NDMA levels continued to rise as they sit on store shelves.
This governmental recall comes after voluntary recalls by several Zantac and ranitidine manufacturers. At that time, most national pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite-Aid removed all ranitidine-containing products, including Zantac from consumers' access. Several countries, including Canada and France, have officially recalled the drugs due to the presence of NDMA.
Contaminants from NDMA exposure are often found in water, soil, and air in low or dissipated levels. However, studies conducted by Valisure revealed alarming results where each tested Zantac (ranitidine) tablet contained just over 300,000 nanograms. Lower levels in drinking water are thought to increase the potential risks of side effects, including developing prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and breast cancer.
Boehringer Ingelheim, Sanofi, major Zantac drug manufacturers, recalled their products related to potential NDMA contamination on October 18, 2019, one month after the Food and Drug Administration received a filed citizen petition. The unacceptable levels of NDMA in over the counter Zantac has led to mass tort class-action suits filed in the Southern District of Florida.
Contact Our Zantac Cancer Law Firm if You Have Been Exposed to NDMA
If you are currently taking Zantac, speak to your health care provider right away. If you have taken a form of ranitidine medications and developed a form of cancer in the liver or digestive tract, take immediate legal action against the pharmaceutical companies and distributors who manufactured, marketed, and sold the defective drug.
Time is of the essence. The statutes of limitations apply to file a claim against Zantac's manufacturer at both the federal and state court levels. The drug recall attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are monitoring potential Zantac class action lawsuits across the United States.
Our office is centrally located in Chicago, Illinois, and we have extensive experience with drug recalls and pending multi-district litigation (MDL) and class action lawsuits involving serious injuries. We invite you to discuss your experience and your legal options related to the Zantac recall with us at no cost or obligation.
Zantac Cancer Lawsuit FAQs
If you or a loved one has taken Zantac or ranitidine, you are likely alarmed and confused by these developments and reports of adverse events by the FDA. In this article, we will try to address some of your concerns:
Is it Safe to Take Ranitidine Every Day?
Doctors often recommend their patients take prescription-grade Zantac (ranitidine) 124 times every day for individuals sixteen years and older. However, the product is not suitable for all individuals.
Some statistics show that patients using the medication have experienced and allergic reaction or develop kidney problems. It is vital to talk to your doctor if you have the rare inherited illness phenylketonuria before taking Zantac or ranitidine.
Why Zantac no Longer Available?
In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration requested that all Zantac (ranitidine) manufacturers withdraw all their OTC (over the counter) and prescription-grade medications from the marketplace.
The FDA released studies showing the presence of a toxic contaminant substance NMDA that can cause disease.
Will Ranitidine the Back on the Market?
As of mid-2020, the FDA has not yet pulled ranitidine from the market, but only recommended that companies remove their product from the shelves through voluntary recalls. Only a few companies have followed the recommendation by issuing voluntary recalls.
In November 2019, the FDA alerted consumers and healthcare professionals that the government agency was recommending voluntary recalls of ranitidine syrup and ranitidine hydrochloride tablets. The recall involved the medication manufacturer Amneal pharmaceuticals That LLC.
Some consumers have considered alternative medications to avoid taking ranitidine (Zantac). These products for long-term treatments include Pepcid (famotidine) and Tagamet (cimetidine).
Similar drug omeprazole is not affected by the voluntary recall due to different active ingredients. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor, and ranitidine is a histamine blocker.
What Kind of Cancer Does Zantac Cause?
Exposure to significant amounts of NDMA is known to damage the liver severely. Unacceptable levels of NDMA are believed to increase the risk of developing cancer of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, stomach, and colon.
Other Cancers
High levels of NDMA has also been linked to the following types of cancer:
- Breast Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Blood cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Throat and nasal cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Uterine cancer
What are the Chances of Getting Cancer From Zantac?
Millions of patients take prescription-grade Zantac or its generic form ranitidine every year. Countless others purchase. However, in recent years, the FDA revealed studies that show the active ingredient in the product degrades over time into a cancer-causing substance.
A study in Denmark in 2018 found a slight increase in the short-term overall cancer rates in individuals taking products containing NDMA, including Zantac, compared to those not given a drug.
What is NDMA?
Scientists know that the organic compound, formerly used in rocket fuel, causes cancer in research animals. NDMA is described as a waste product of industrial processes, including the making of industrial lubricants and pesticides.
The chemical is part of the N-nitrosamine family of potent carcinogens. Presence of the yellowish, odorless liquid is supposedly safe micro levels in some food products—particularly cured meats—and water supplies, even beer.
At toxic levels, the chemical can damage the liver and other organs in humans. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded that NDMA is a "probable human carcinogen" that can increase a person's risk of developing cancer. Most of what is currently known about NDMA's carcinogenic qualities was acquired from animal-based studies.
The World Health Organization reported that several case-control studies and one cohort study of dietary intake of high doses of NDMA in the human body showed results "supportive of the assumption that NDMA consumption is a probable carcinogen [that] is positively associated with either gastric or colorectal cancer."
The main issue in current Zantac and ranitidine medicines cases centers around the contamination of NDMA into the products during a chemical reaction in the manufacturing process.
Has Zantac Been Recalled?
Yes, on April 1, 2020, the FDA issued a recall of the drug. While many Americans take ranitidine over the counter (OTC) for relief of heartburn and indigestion, physicians sometimes advise patients to use prescription-strength ranitidine to treat and prevent ulcers.
Initially, the FDA reported that NDMA levels in the contaminated ranitidine were barely any higher than the supposedly safe amounts found in everyday foods. However, it later declared the levels to be "unacceptably high."
The agency is not currently recommending that patients stop taking ranitidine products immediately. Instead, it encourages patients to speak to their doctors about alternative prescription and OTC medications for their conditions.
Meanwhile, several drug makers, including Novartis-owned Sandoz Inc., Apotex, and GlaxoSmithKline (the original developer of Zantac), announced they were voluntarily recalling or halting distribution of some batches of their generic ranitidine-containing products in the U.S. and other countries.
It's important to note that to date, brand-name Zantac (manufactured by Sanofi) was voluntarily recalled on October 18, 2019, as was the generic version, ranitidine.
If you are concerned whether your particular brand of ranitidine is affected, links to information about the specific products that have been recalled by their manufacturers are provided in the "Resources" section at the end of this article.
What are the Medical Complications Associated With Zantac and NDMA?
The environmental contaminant NDMA has caused severe, non-cancerous liver damage in humans and is used by cancer researchers to induce liver tumors in rodents. It is believed to be a risk factor for a range of human digestive system cancers, including that of the stomach, colon, pancreas, liver, and bladder cancer.
Stomach Cancer
Cancer of the stomach (adenocarcinoma) is treatable when diagnosed in its early stage. Recent tests show GERD or acid reflux as precursors to cancer. Researchers also believe a correlation exists between obesity and smoking and an unhealthy diet.
Symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- Fatigue
- Feeling bloated after eating
- Feeling full after eating small amounts of food
- Persistent heartburn
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
Doctors formulate medical treatment options for stomach cancer depending on the stage and progression of the disease. Treatments might include surgery (including removal of the stomach), radiation, and chemotherapy.
Bladder cancer is rare, accounting for just five percent of cancers diagnosed in the U.S. annually. Cancer of the bladder is more likely to strike males over age 55 than females and is more common among Caucasians than other races.
Risk factors are believed to include family history, smoking, chronic bladder inflammation and infections, and exposure to certain industrial chemicals, including high levels of NDMA (n-nitrosodimethylamine).
Like stomach cancer, effective treatment is available to patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. Currently, the reported five-year survival rate is over 75 percent.
However, if the disease is left untreated, cancer can spread to vital organs, including the lungs and liver, via the lymph nodes. Early symptoms can mimic those of urinary tract infections and other ailments, and include:
- Pain during urination
- Frequent need to urinate
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in the urine
Once the disease has progressed beyond an initial stage, symptoms can include:
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Bladder cancer is treated through surgical removal of cancerous tissue and possibly all or part of the bladder (cystectomy), chemotherapy, and radiation.
Have any Lawsuits Been Filed Against the Makers of Zantac?
Yes, since the FDA released its announcement, individual lawsuits and class action claims have been filed across the U.S. against the makers of Zantac and related products, including Sanofi. Plaintiffs who used Zantac and other ranitidine products and either developed cancer or claim to be at risk for cancer are suing the drug makers (defendants).
The plaintiffs claim the drug makers should have known of the potential risk for NDMA contamination and advised the medical community of the danger, in light of specific research that predated the FDA warning. This research reportedly found that ranitidine can degrade into NDMA when combined with water during a chemical reaction.
Whenever a flurry of new class action cases brought against specific defendants in different states arise, those first cases are often consolidated in a single state in multi-district litigation (MDL). These consolidated cases are heard in the same federal court before the same judge. DL is different from a class-action lawsuit and is often a better legal choice for efficiency in the pretrial hearing and motion process.
A motion to have Zantac lawsuits centralized in an MDL has been filed and is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The litigation is still in its early stages, and there have been no settlements or verdicts related to Zantac injuries announced yet.
What Compensation can a Person Recover in a Zantac Cancer Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one has taken Zantac or ranitidine and developed stomach or bladder cancer, contact the Zantac recall attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC at (888) 424-5757. Schedule a free consultation to discuss whether you have a valid claim for compensation from the drug companies involved.
The medication you are taking now could cause life-threatening medical complications in the months or years ahead. You might be eligible to receive financial compensation for:
- All medical expenses associated with the health condition that resulted from your Zantac consumption
- Ongoing tests
- Lost income for the time your illness left you unable to work
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal life
- Other tangible and intangible damages
Our law firm accepts all wrongful death lawsuits and defective drug injury claims through contingency fee agreements. This arrangement postpones payment for our legal services until after we have successfully resolved your case. If we are unable to secure compensation on your behalf through a trial award or negotiated out-of-court settlement, you owe us nothing.
Let our experienced team of product liability and class action attorneys go to work for you and your family to compensate you for your Zantac cancer fully.
Have There Been any Settlements of Zantac Cancer Lawsuits?
No. There are no settlements of pending Zantac cancer lawsuits. Were you or a family member diagnosed with cancer caused by Zantac usage? If so, you should consult with a Zantac attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.
Many defective drug cases, such as Zantac, proceed through multidistrict litigation for several years before settlement negotiations are considered. Your lawyer can discuss all your legal options for compensation.
How Long do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Cancer Related to Zantac use?
The time limit for filing a Zantac cancer lawsuit depends on where you live and when you were diagnosed with cancer. Cases, such as Zantac lawsuits, are governed by a statute of limitations for filing a case.
Failure to comply with the applicable statute of limitations will bar a financial recovery forever. If you have questions about the statute of limitations for your situation, contact a Zantac cancer attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.
Get a Free Consultation Today to Discuss Your Zantac Case. Get Legal Help From Trusted Zantac Cancer Recall Attorneys
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC is committed to providing hands-on legal representation for people dealing with cancer of the bladder, stomach, or colon following Zantac and ranitidine use. All our prescription medication defect cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, where we only receive a legal fee when there is a successful recovery for you.
Our legal team is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. However, we handle cases across the United States. This webpage is prepared and updated by attorney Jonathan Rosenfeld. Last updated on August 25, 2020. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC is also reviewing Valsartan cancer lawsuits, a blood pressure medication that has been recalled due to NDMA contamination, and various cancers.
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