Zantac is an over-the-counter medication, commonly used to treat heartburn. A recent discovery of a cancer-causing substance in the main ingredient (ranitidine) of this medication has led to its removal from the market.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, experienced internal bleeding, or other serious health complications after taking Zantac, either prescription or over-the-counter, you’re likely accumulating damages. A drug manufacturing company owes you financial compensation. Talk to a Zantac lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible to know your legal options.
Facts We Know About the Zantac Lawsuits
Here’s what we know so far about the Zantac withdrawal from the market and what it means for those who may have been affected:
- In early November 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement that they were investigating the detection of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a contaminant and possible cancer-causing substance, in ranitidine, a medication also known as Zantac.
- In the summer of 2019, the FDA reviewed independent laboratory testing that showed low levels of NDMA in the Zantac. In September of 2019, the agency warned the public of the risks and to consider other treatment options.
- The FDA determined that the impurity in some Zantac drugs increases over time and might lead to “unacceptable levels” when stored at high temperatures.
- On April 1, 2020, the FDA requested the removal of all ranitidine products from the Zantac market. This included both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Zantac/ranitidine products will no longer be available as prescription or over-the-counter options in the United States.
The first Zantac lawsuit was filed in 2019, and those affected by the drug are now reaching out to attorneys to file. If you or someone you love developed cancer after taking Zantac/ranitidine, a Zantac lawsuit lawyer can let you know your legal options.
What Is Zantac/Ranitidine?
Ranitidine, marketed under the brand name Zantac, is a heartburn and ulcer medication. It has been used for heartburn, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Zantac works by decreasing the amount of acid made by the stomach. It has been sold since the early 1980s, and it was available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. Doses of Zantac were typically between 75 and 300 mg, depending on the patient and their needs.
Zantac and ranitidine have been known under the following names/brands:
- Zantac
- Zantac 75
- Zantac Maximum Strength
- Wal-Zan 75
- Wal-Zan 150
- Heartburn Relief (ranitidine)
- Acid Reducer (ranitidine)
- Acid Control (ranitidine)
Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim are the big pharma companies and drugmakers of Zantac. These companies have made huge profits from a drug that may have exposed many people to potential cancer risks. Personal injury lawyers like John Foy & Associates are dedicated to holding them responsible.
The Risks of NDMA
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), conclusive evidence has shown NDMA to be a “potent carcinogen” (potentially cancer-causing substance) in experimental animals through several types of exposure. Toxicology results support a positive association between NDMA consumption and gastric cancer or colorectal cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has also classified NDMA as a probable carcinogen to humans.
What the Zantac Lawsuit Means for You
The Zantac lawsuit is accusing the drugmakers of manufacturing, marketing, and selling a drug that they should have known (or already knew) contained a cancer-causing contaminant.
Cancers people have developed since taking Zantac and that may be linked to the lawsuit include:
- Gastric (stomach) cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Thyroid cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Zantac (ranitidine) side effects may also include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, and headaches.
If you or someone you love developed cancer after taking Zantac at any time, contact a trusted lawyer right away. You might be eligible to file a compensation claim, and the time to reach out is now.
Many attorneys are currently bringing injury claims for Zantac (ranitidine) users diagnosed with cancer after taking the drug. Your legal team can go over your symptoms, answer your questions, and discuss how they can help you.
Zantac Cancer Lawsuits Versus Zantac Class Action Lawsuit
A Zantac class action lawsuit allows anyone who purchased Zantac (ranitidine) to seek compensation for what they paid. The manufacturers of the drug should be held responsible for making money on a product that had unconcealed or misleading effects on the public. You do not have to have cancer to participate in a class-action lawsuit.
In comparison, if you were diagnosed with cancer or another serious medical condition and personally suffered financial loss as a direct result of your use of the medication, you can file a Zantac personal injury lawsuit.
No matter how you were impacted by Zantac, you may have legal options. Talk to a Zantac lawsuit lawyer today to know what is best for you and your family.
Damages You Can Be Compensated For With a Zantac Lawsuit
If you developed a serious health complication after taking Zantac, you can file a Zantac lawsuit to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. If you lost a loved one to cancer after they took Zantac, you may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit.
Damages that you may be able to recover from a Zantac personal injury or wrongful death suit include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Disability
Zantac Lawsuit Burden of Proof
In order to hold a large pharmaceutical company liable for your damages in a lawsuit, a Zantac lawsuit lawyer will need to help you gather sufficient evidence to prove the following key elements:
- The medication you took contained a defect in its design, makeup, manufacture, or distribution. There was a clear failure to warn users of the medication’s cancer-related side effects.
- There is a link between the defective drug and your injury or medical condition. Your Zantac lawsuit lawyer can use medical records, expert testimony, and scientific research to prove this connection.
- You suffered damages as a result of your use of the medication. You will need to present proof of financial loss. Your attorney can explain what damages you may qualify for and help you gather the necessary evidence to prove them.
Your attorney will be able to launch a comprehensive investigation into your lawsuit and gather the evidence needed to prove each of the three elements of strict product liability.
Talk to a Zantac Lawsuit Lawyer About Your Case for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we work on contingency, which means you don’t pay unless we win. There is no upfront fee or out-of-pocket cost to worry about, and a win for us is a win for you. We are dedicated to getting you the recovery and justice you deserve.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation to discuss your case and the Zantac lawsuit, call us today at (404) 400-4000 or fill out an online form to contact us here. We bring more than 20 years of experience to the fight, and we are not afraid to stand up for your rights.