What Is Ranitidine?

Ranitidine is the generic name for the drug Zantac. The medication helped treat and prevent heartburn and other conditions. In April 2020, the FDA requested the removal of ranitidine from the U.S. market.

You can learn more about ranitidine and Zantac below. If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking this drug, John Foy & Associates can help. Get a FREE consultation by calling (404) 400-4000 or reaching out online.

What to Know About Ranitidine

Before the FDA recall, you could find ranitidine under the generic name or the brand name Zantac. The company Sanofi sold the brand name of the drug.

Ranitidine is an H2 blocker. H2 blockers are drugs that decrease how much acid your stomach makes. Ranitidine was most common for preventing and relieving heartburn. Doctors also prescribed the medication for severe stomach and intestine ulcers.

Ranitidine was available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms. Its names included:

• Zantac
• Zantac 75
• Zantac Maximum Strength
• Wal-Zan 75
• Wal-Zan 150
• Heartburn Relief (ranitidine)
• Acid Reducer (ranitidine)
• Acid Control (ranitidine)

Ranitidine products have been on the market since the 1980s. Until recently, many people thought the product was safe enough for regular use. Common side effects of ranitidine included:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Vomiting
• Headaches

Unfortunately, we now know that the most worrying thing about ranitidine is a possible link to cancer.

Cancer Links to Ranitidine

Ranitidine and Zantac are no longer available in any form. That’s because studies and testing found the following:

• There were low levels of a contaminant called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine.
• Higher long-term exposure to NDMA could increase the risk of cancer in humans.
• NDMA levels increase in ranitidine over time.
• When the drug sits at above room temperature, the NDMA levels can increase dramatically.

Many medications remain in storage with the conditions above for long periods. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked that ranitidine products come off the market in April 2020. The agency did not feel comfortable having the drug on the market after what the data showed.

The FDA also advised everyone taking ranitidine to stop using it. Doctors should warn their patients about the research and find other options.

Many patients are looking at legal action against the makers of ranitidine and Zantac. Drug companies have a responsibility to put out safe products. If you received a cancer diagnosis after taking Zantac or ranitidine, you might be entitled to money.

NDMA Risks for Consumers

The World Health Organization (WHO) has looked at the risks of NDMA. Although the substance is found naturally in low amounts, it can be dangerous at high levels. Study results have supported an association between NDMA and stomach or colorectal cancer.

The WHO has determined NDMA could be a “potent carcinogen.” A carcinogen is something that could cause cancer in humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies NDMA as probably cancerous to humans.

What to Know About Ranitidine Cancer Lawsuits

Users of ranitidine products have started filing lawsuits against the drug’s makers. The lawsuits claim the drugmakers should have known their products contained a dangerous substance.

If you received a cancer diagnosis after taking ranitidine (in any form), you could have a case. You might be entitled to compensation if you have cancers like:

• Stomach cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Lung cancer

It does not matter what type of cancer you developed. If there’s a chance your cancer happened from ranitidine, you could have a case. You might be able to seek money for the costs of your cancer treatment and more.

Talk to a trusted injury lawyer about your situation today. At John Foy & Associates, we can view your case and discuss your options. With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to win complicated cases.

To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online today.

Personal Injury Versus Class-Action Ranitidine Lawsuits

If you received a cancer diagnosis after taking ranitidine, you can file a case against the manufacturer (covered under Georgia Code § 51-1-11.1). An experienced lawyer can help you build a claim based on your damages.

“Damages” are costs you suffer because of your injuries. In the case of ranitidine, your injury would be your cancer. Your damages would be losses you have from your cancer like:

• Medical bills
• Costs of your cancer treatment
• Prescription medications
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

Your lawyer will fight for the compensation you deserve. In some cases, you can get a settlement offer for your damages. If you don’t get a fair offer, you can take your case to court.

A Zantac class-action lawsuit is slightly different than a personal injury lawsuit. Class-action lawsuits involve many different people who were hurt by the same thing. If you join a Zantac class-action lawsuit, you could seek compensation for your costs.

You do not necessarily need to have cancer to be part of a class-action lawsuit. Talk to an experienced lawyer to know more about a class-action suit. Your lawyer can also determine which option is best for you.

Wrongful Death Ranitidine Lawsuits

If a loved one took ranitidine and died from cancer, you could have a case. You might be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit for damages. Your damages could include:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial costs

A ranitidine lawyer can help you navigate a wrongful death case. They will listen to your situation and take you through the next steps.

Talk to an Experienced Zantac Lawyer for Free Today

At John Foy & Associates, we are not afraid to stand up against large drug manufacturers. We have been helping injury victims win the money they deserve for over 20 years. We’re here to listen and fight for your rights.

We do not charge a fee unless we win you money. There is no risk in contacting us or working with us. To get a FREE, risk-free consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.