What Is Zantac?

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Zantac, also known as ranitidine, is a drug that decreases how much acid your stomach makes. It’s part of a drug class called H2 blockers.

People take Zantac for a variety of conditions, including heartburn. In April 2020, the FDA asked Zantac’s makers to remove it from the market. Studies found a cancer-causing substance in ranitidine products can increase to dangerous levels over time.

If you developed cancer after taking Zantac/ranitidine, it’s time to take action. Contact John Foy & Associates to discuss your legal options during a FREE consultation. Call or contact us online today.

What Is Zantac/Ranitidine?

Zantac is the brand name for the drug ranitidine. The drug company Sanofi sells ranitidine products in both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms.

There are many different forms and doses of Zantac/ranitidine, including:

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

Zantac has been available since the early 1980s. Most doses fall between 75 mg and 300 mg.

Zantac Treatment Uses

The most common use of Zantac is to prevent and treat heartburn. Most people take OTC Zantac for this reason. However, prescription Zantac has been used to treat and prevent:

• Stomach ulcers
• Intestine ulcers
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (which causes your stomach to make too much acid)
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus

Zantac was usually taken once or twice a day. Some doctors would prescribe the prescription for up to four times a day. Doses would depend on the patient’s condition and medical history.

Since Zantac is no longer on the market, the FDA does not recommend anyone take OTC or prescription Zantac. If you took Zantac, talk to your doctor about alternatives.

You might also have a legal case, especially if you have cancer after taking Zantac. A Zantac lawyer can make sure you know your options. To get a FREE consultation with an experienced attorney, call today.

Zantac Side Effects

When Zantac was still on the market, its typical side effects included:

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

More severe side effects of Zantac included:

• Dark urine
• Stomach pain with loss of appetite
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath
• Coughs with mucus
• Chest pains

Zantac users were to call their doctors right away if they had severe side effects on the medication.

The most concerning result of using Zantac is a potentially cancer-causing substance found in the drug.

Cancer-Causing Substance Found in Zantac

The FDA announced in September 2019 that tests on ranitidine found low levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a contaminant that could cause cancer in humans.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), animal studies have shown NDMA might be cancer-causing. Other results suggest an association between the substance and colorectal or stomach cancer.

In April 2020, the FDA made a press announcement requesting that all Zantac/ranitidine manufacturers take the drug off the market.

What to Know About NDMA in Zantac

NDMA is found naturally in foods and water. However, it might be cancer-causing in more significant amounts over time.

When the FDA investigated, it found that the NDMA in some Zantac products increased over time. Plus, when the drug was stored at higher temperatures, it could lead to unsafe levels of NDMA.

Zantac and ranitidine products are no longer on the market because of the possible exposure to dangerous levels of NDMA. Some patients who took Zantac products are now looking into their lawsuit options.

What to Do if You Took Zantac

If you were taking Zantac in any form, the FDA advises you to stop taking it. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options to try. They can recommend approved drugs to use instead.

Testing by the FDA has not found NDMA in similar drugs like:

• Tagamet
• Pepcid
• Prevacid
• Nexium
• Prilosec

Usually, the FDA would recommend taking leftover Zantac products to a drug disposal location. However, since the recall happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, it urged patients to safely dispose of the drug at home by:

• Mixing the medication with an unappealing substance like cat litter or dirt.
• Putting the substance-drug mixture into a sealed plastic bag.
• Throwing the bag into your home trash.
• Removing all personal information from the drug’s label, then throwing it away or recycling it.

You can also report your side effects on Zantac to the FDA. Their MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program lets you submit your adverse results.

What to Know About Filing a Zantac Lawsuit

If you were affected by Zantac, you might be entitled to compensation. When the FDA reported the link to a potentially cancer-causing substance, Zantac had been on the market for a long time. If you developed cancer after taking the drug, you might be able to file a lawsuit for compensation.

A Zantac lawyer can help determine your damages and legal options. You might be able to join a class-action lawsuit or file a product liability lawsuit. You could be entitled to damages like:

• Medical costs
• Cancer treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

Don’t wait to take action today. The statute of limitations in Georgia is typically two years (Georgia Code § 9-3-33). You will need time to build your case and fight for your rights.

Cancers that Zantac users have developed since taking the drug include:

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

If you received a cancer diagnosis of any kind, you might have a legal case. You could be entitled to money for costs caused by taking Zantac. An experienced lawyer can look at your situation and discuss the next steps.

Talk to an Experienced Zantac Lawyer for Free Today

At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience helping injury victims win what they deserve. A Zantac lawsuit is no exception. We can let you know if you qualify for a trial and get started today.

To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, contact us online.