What You Probably Didn’t Know About Zantac Lawsuits

Understanding-the-Zantac-Lawsuit

On September 13th, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported a carcinogenic contaminant in Zantac (ranitidine). The contaminant wasn’t just any other contaminant but a lethal carcinogen N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Is There a Lawsuit for Zantac?

The short answer is yes; there has been a Zantac cancer lawsuit already. The case was filed in 2019, with the plaintiff’s accusing drug makers Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi of not just manufacturing and marketing but also selling a product they knew had been contaminated with a carcinogen. Several other lawsuits have been filed since then.

By the time FDA announced its findings, Zantac was already in use as one of America’s most popular heartburn medications. The drug was, in fact, available in both over-the counter-and prescription versions. Six months down the line, in April of 2020, the FDA further announced that all Zantac brand drugs should be immediately be pulled from the market.

By this time, thousands of Americans had used the drug. What followed was a series of lawsuits against Zantac manufacturers – Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim. This followed hundreds of cancer diagnosis incidents directly linked to the use of Zantac. The lawsuits continue to this day.

If you used Zantac and were diagnosed with cancer, then it is in your best interest to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. That is exactly where Fetterman & Associates, P.A., come into the picture. We have already helped several Zantac clients get compensated and enter into favorable settlements. Search for Zantac lawsuit attorneys near me, and we’ll pop up!

What Type of Cancer Did Zantac Cause?

The link between cancer and Zantac goes back to the 1980s when it was first introduced into the market. Notably, the exact cause of NDMA contamination in Zantac is still unclear.

However, research shows that the period Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim manufactured and marketed Zantac established a clear link between NDMA and ranitidine, the active ingredient Zantac. Despite knowing this vital information, the drug makers deliberately chose not to disclose the risk, to consumers or the government.

The following types of cancer have all been proven by the FDA to be caused by NDMA, the carcinogenic substance found in Zantac:

  • Breast cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Brain cancer
  • Esophageal/nasal/throat cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Lung cancer for non-smokers
  • Prostate cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Intestinal cancer

Noteworthy, when ranitidine comes in contact with water, it immediately causes a chemical reaction to occur that causes the formation of NDMA. Other notable ranitidine Zantac side effects include abdominal discomfort, vomiting, nausea, and headaches.

Fetterman & Associates have already helped several Zantac victims file for compensation. You should consider filing too, if you or a loved one were a victim. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our law firm consists of competent Zantac lawyers in Florida.

Will Zantac Ever be Back on the Market | Has Zantac Been Recalled?

Highly unlikely. According to the FDA, a drug company must show through accurate and verified scientific data that its ranitidine product is stable. A company must also show that the NDMA levels in their product do not increase over time to lethal levels, as was the case with Zantac.

There is hope that Zantac may one day make a comeback. As it stands now, though, that possibility remains just distant anticipation. It is also important to consider the fact that consumers may want to refrain from anything to do with Zantac because of the cancer cases people have reported so far, which can be linked to the use of Zantac.

Why put up with pain caused by prolonged use of Zantac when you can seek help? At Fetterman Associates, we go the extra mile to make sure all Zantac victims get compensated and or agree to settlements that can help them go through life with ease after the Zantac menace.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Zantac?

Apart from causing cancer, NDMA is a potent hepatotoxin. This means that short-term exposure to NDMA through the use of Zantac can cause liver damage. Long-term exposure, on the other hand, increases the risk of kidney, lung, and liver tumors.

The most common symptoms of NDMA exposure include fever, nausea, headache and jaundice, abdominal cramps, vomiting, reduced liver functions, dizziness, and vomiting. Chronic cases have been proven to cause death. Additionally, the symptoms described above tend to be worse for pregnant women and consumers with underlying stomach and liver complications. Other effects that come with the long-term use of Zantac include

  • Skin rashes
  • Hair loss
  • Increased risk of pneumonia
  • Nervous system disorders
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Hepatitis
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Are there Safe, Non-Drug Ways for Heartburn Treatment?

Yes, there are safe, non-drug ways for heartburn treatment. As your doctor will most likely tell you, some of the most effective heartburn treatment alternatives involve a change in lifestyle habits. For example, you may want to avoid certain foods, quit smoking, eat slowly and sparingly, and, most importantly, avoid carbonated beverages.

Be mindful of what you eat and work closely with your doctor. That way, you can easily manage chronic bouts of heartburn without resorting to long-term drug usage.

Do not suffer in silence. Let Fetterman & Associates handle your Zantac case. Call us for a free consultation.