Things to Know if You’ve Been Taking Ranitidine (Zantac)
Posted on Feb 10 , 2020
Better known under the brand name Zantac, Ranitidine has been available by prescription and over-the-counter purchase. Ranitidine products that are purchased over-the-counter are most commonly used to prevent and relieve heartburn. Prescription-strength Ranitidine products are more often taken to treat and prevent more severe ulcers in the intestines and stomach.
In September 2019, the Food and Drug Administration announced that tests they conducted found traces of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in the popular heartburn medication, Ranitidine. NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen. This means that it is more likely than not to cause cancer in humans.
Cancers that have been linked to NDMA exposure include:
• Stomach Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Small Intestine Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
The extent and degree of NDMA exposure that can result in the development of cancer of those who have taken Ranitidine products are not yet known. Likewise, the length of time of the NDMA contamination in Ranitidine products has not been determined. The FDA has reported that some levels of NDMA may have been in Ranitidine products for as long as four years. Efforts by agencies are in progress to determine the lengths of the NDMA contamination.
What to do if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer
We want you to know that you have options if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer as a result of Zantac or Ranitidine use. The product liability attorneys at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have the experience and skill to investigate and handle your case properly. If you believe that your cancer diagnosis is linked to the use of Ranitidine products, give us a call for a free and confidential consultation at 225.888.8888.
