Zantac Lawsuits – Bladder & Stomach Cancer
Zantac — a popular heartburn medication which was deemed safe enough to be sold over the counter tested positive recently for unsafe levels of a cancer-causing chemical. The makers of Zantac (ranitidine) are now facing a product liability lawsuit that claims the drug contains N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is a chemical classified as a probable carcinogen by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization, and Environmental Protection Agency.
The makers of the popular antacid drug are being accused of manufacturing and marketing a medication they were aware, or should have been aware contains a cancer-causing chemical with failure to warn the consumers or the government of its risks. Read on to learn more about the concerns of Zantac from our experienced personal injury lawyers.
Is Zantac Being Recalled?
At this time, the FDA is not calling for patients taking Zantac (ranitidine), or it’s generic to stop use, and the agency has not requested that the manufacturers recall the medication. Some companies like Walmart and CVS have chosen to suspend the sales of Zantac (ranitidine) while they wait for results from current tests and research to conclude.
Who is at Risk?
Based on recent testing, there are claims that Zantac (ranitidine) causes high levels of NDMA exposure in people taking the drug. Other studies have also shown that unstable molecules of the medication break down in the digestive tract to create harmful levels of NDMA. Zantac (ranitidine) is not recommended for long term use. Therefore, NDMA is classified as a probable carcinogen, but it may only cause cancer after exposure to high doses of the drug over a long period.
Similar types of NDMA exposure have been linked to different types of cancers, including:
- Liver
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Colorectal
- Esophageal
- Bladder
- Kidney
- Pancreatic
How to Determine if you Qualify for a Zantac Cancer Lawsuit or Settlement
To possibly qualify for a Zantac lawsuit, you have to prove use of the medication. You will need to supply proof that you took Zantac or another form of ranitidine. If your doctor prescribed Zantac (ranitidine), you could easily request a copy of your pharmacy records to provide proof. Proving over-the-counter use of Zantac can be a little more troublesome. You can show evidence of taking Zantac over-the-counter through receipts of purchase and notes in your medical records.
After obtaining proof of use, you must show that you sustained an injury as a result of taking the medication. You will need to show the correlation where you were diagnosed with a type of cancer linked to Zantac use. This can also be easily proven by requesting a copy of your medical records from your doctor.
Lastly, there has to be proof that your use of Zantac and cancer diagnosis is related.
When to Contact a Product Liability Attorney
At this time, there have been class-action lawsuits filed alleging that users of the drug Zantac (ranitidine) have been exposed to unsafe levels of NDMA. If you or someone you know took Zantac (ranitidine) and has since been diagnosed with stomach, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, or colon cancer, we would like to help you. The product liability attorneys at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have experience litigating for victims of severe adverse effects and complications caused by over the counter and prescription drugs. Allow our lawyers to evaluate your case and determine your legal options. Contact us today at 888.501.7888.
