Zantac is the brand name for ranitidine. Doctors frequently prescribed this drug to people who suffered from heartburn, acid reflux, and other similar conditions, and it was also available as an over-the-counter medication.
However, it has now been determined that taking Zantac can be harmful. If you are taking Zantac every day, you need to be aware of the risks and reconsider your use of this product.
The Recall of Zantac
Following a voluntary recall in late 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official mandatory recall for Zantac in April of 2020. It issued this recall in response to increased levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, being found in Zantac and other ranitidine products that are used to treat the same ailments.
It seems this impurity can increase to dangerous levels in Zantac over time. Research from third-party laboratories showed the FDA that NDMA levels in Zantac samples continued to rise after they were shipped to stores. Zantac that has been sitting on a shelf for a long time could be more dangerous than the newly manufactured samples once tested in FDA laboratories.
Whether it is a storage issue, a transport issue, or exposure to certain temperatures, something is making the trace amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine found in Zantac more dangerous to the consumer.
Health Risks Associated with Taking Zantac
According to MedlinePlus, the side effects of taking Zantac are normally minor. Common side effects include headache, nausea, or vomiting. However, now that the potential for higher levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine is known, there could be additional health risks to worry about.
Small amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine can be found in water and certain types of food, including meat and some dairy products. This is why the lower levels of NDMA found in Zantac were not initially a worry for the FDA. However, N-nitrosodimethylamine is classified as a probable carcinogen—in larger doses and with prolonged exposure, it could pose a serious health concern. Exposure to too much NDMA could result in:
- Increased cancer risk
- Liver damage
If you have Zantac or ranitidine sitting in your medicine cabinet, it is impossible for you to know if NDMA levels in your medication have increased to dangerous levels. This is the reason for the recall and why taking Zantac every day can be harmful.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Case
If you think that you or a loved one developed cancer or suffered another health complication due to Zantac, you may have legal options. You could qualify to pursue a product liability case, which involves showing that you used the product as intended, but you still suffered harm due to the manufacturer’s negligence.
Hiring a Lawyer
A personal injury attorney from our firm can do much to help you with a product liability case. Our services include:
- Filing your case and beginning the legal process
- Holding all liable parties, from manufacturers to doctors, accountable
- Gathering evidence needed to bolster your case, including medical records
- Handling all communications for you
- Consulting medical experts
- Calculating fair compensation
- Representing you and answering your questions throughout the process
Most of all, your lawyer will act as your advocate and fight for the best possible legal outcome on your behalf.
Types of Compensation
Our team will help you fight for compensation. These damages can cover a variety of expenses stemming from the injuries you or a loved one suffered due to frequent use of Zantac or similar ranitidine medications. Your compensation can help with:
- Medical expenses: if you become sick due to your use of Zantac and end up with hefty medical bills, you may be able to recover those expenses. If your condition leaves you in need of more medical care in the future, those future care costs could also be recoverable.
- Lost wages: if you are in the hospital or recovering for an extended period, that may mean missed work and lost paychecks. Your compensation can make up for these lost wages and help your family bounce back financially.
Learn More About Your Legal Options
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered harm due to the unsafe levels of NDMA found in Zantac, you may have legal options. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (855) 529-0269 and receive your free consultation.
