Zantac, the brand name for a once-popular acid reflux medication, has been found to contain N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a known carcinogen that may cause cancers, including lung cancer.
Because of the discovery of elevated levels of NDMA in Zantac, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of it, as well as any other acid reflux drugs that contain ranitidine.
NDMA Comes with Many Risks
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NDMA can cause cancer in humans. NDMA has been known to cause tumors in rodents and other mammals. This makes the risk of cancer in humans possible enough to warrant a warning.
The FDA’s estimate of a maximum recommended daily exposure to NDMA is 96 nanograms. However, the prescribed dosage of Zantac could cause users to be exposed to 860 nanograms, far exceeding the safe range. This exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and respiratory tract.
How NDMA Affects the Lungs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rodents exposed to NDMA at low levels for several weeks developed lung cancer. Likewise, long-term exposure to unsafe levels of NDMA could be a cause of lung cancer in humans.
Lung cancer’s causes can be complicated and the result of several factors.
Some risk factors that can cause lung cancer include:
- Smoking or secondhand smoke
- Exposure to carcinogens like asbestos, arsenic, chromium, or tar
- Radiation exposure, especially to the chest
- Air pollution
- Genetic predisposition
If you took Zantac and have any of the above risk factors, you are more likely to suffer lung cancer.
NDMA Is a Carcinogen
Carcinogens cause genetic mutations at the cellular level. This can cause someone to develop cancer when those genetic mutations create unnatural, uncontrolled cell growth. When this occurs in the lungs, you can contract cancers such as:
- Small cell lung cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Lung carcinoid tumors
Lung cancer is one of the toughest cancers to beat, with a five-year survival rate of 18.6%, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world and kills more Americans than breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. The public should be warned about anything that contributes to its development, including Zantac use.
You Could Recover Compensation if You Were Diagnosed with Cancer
If you were diagnosed with lung cancer and you used Zantac in the past, it might have contributed to your condition.
Although pinpointing Zantac as the exact cause of your condition may not be possible, the FDA’s recall and EPA’s label of NDMA as a carcinogen could provide you with enough evidence to take legal action.
We Can Help You Pursue Compensation
Even when a company or the FDA recalls a product, victims of the defective product can still pursue damages against the product’s manufacturer through lawsuits. This is because companies are obligated to create products that are safe and warn consumers of possible risks.
The FDA found that some Zantac products contained NDMA and produced more of the contaminant when stored at high temperatures. This shows a failure to produce a safe product by the manufacturers.
The fact that many stores and manufacturers voluntarily recalled ranitidine products even before the FDA recommended it illustrates that the risks were considered too high. Their actions may work in your favor in receiving compensation.
How Damages May Help Your Treatment
Fighting cancer is a protracted battle. Not only do you need a strong will and a good support system, but you also may need the money. For many, the costs of cancer treatment are prohibitively high.
Your Zantac lung cancer lawsuit can help by providing compensation for:
- Cancer therapies
- Prescription drugs
- Imaging tests
- Surgeries
- Psychological counseling
- Lost wages
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
Hiring a lawyer from our firm who works on Zantac cancer lawsuits or product liability issues can help you understand what you may be entitled to, as well as explain the statute of limitations for your lung cancer suit.
If You Lost a Loved One Due to Zantac Use
You may have only heard about the potential dangers of Zantac after already losing a family member or spouse to lung cancer. If this is the case, you can pursue compensation on their behalf to help you handle their medical bills, funeral expenses, and final healthcare costs.
Get Legal Support as You Face This Challenge
Despite the evidence that NDMA and Zantac can cause lung cancer, you may face an uphill battle in receiving damages from a drug manufacturer or seller. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers don’t want you to face your battle alone. Contact our office to learn more about how we can handle your Zantac cancer case at (855) 529-0269.
