The only way to know if your cancer was caused by Zantac is to speak with a doctor. Your primary care physician has likely already referred you to an oncologist who could help to trace the origins of your diagnosis. Regardless of the exact reasons for why you contracted cancer, it is important to seek out the best possible medical care.
Still, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released information linking the active ingredient in Zantac to an increased cancer occurrence. The makers of Zantac have a duty under the law to produce a product that is safe for human consumption. An increased chance of contracting cancer may make Zantac’s makers liable to compensate you for your losses.
The Connection Between Zantac and Cancer
Millions of people throughout the country suffer from chronic heartburn. Of these, thousands took Zantac as a way to control acid levels in their stomachs. The active ingredient in Zantac, known as ranitidine, functions as an effective way to decrease the amount of acid that the stomach produces.
Sadly, we now know that it also is a carcinogen. On September 13, 2019, the FDA issued a safety notice concerning the risks involved with ingesting ranitidine. This notice stated that ranitidine contains chemical impurities that are a known human carcinogen. In simple terms, taking ranitidine increases the chances of a person contracting cancer.
What Are My Legal Options After Receiving a Cancer Diagnosis?
Every maker of medications has an obligation under the law to produce safe human consumption products. Understandably, these substances may carry side effects. However, part of the FDA approval process involves disclosing these side effects and determining whether the benefits of taking the drug outweigh the risks.
It is now clear that the benefits of taking Zantac are not worth the risk. Because of this, the makers of Zantac, Sanofi, may be liable to provide compensation to people who developed cancer after taking their drug.
What It Means to Pursue a Lawsuit Alleging an Unsafe Drug
People affected by Sanofi’s failure to produce a safe product could pursue a compensation claim. These claims can demand payments for:
- All necessary medical care
- Lost wages
- Emotional traumas
- Lost quality of life
However, to prevail in these cases, injured people must connect their diagnosis to taking Zantac. Making this connection is often the most difficult part of a case.
In most situations, it is necessary to hire a qualified expert who can testify in court as to whether Zantac caused a person’s cancer. This can include providing a medical opinion concerning the nature of a person’s cancer and whether it fits the profile of Zantac-connected injuries. We can help you better understand the concept of dangerous drug lawsuits and work to locate and hire qualified experts to prove your case.
We could also help to pursue a case on time. According to Florida Statutes §95.11(3)(a), most people have no more than four years from the date of injury to pursue a case. Talking with a lawyer from our firm today could help ensure that your case is on track.
Learn More About Your Legal Rights After a Zantac Cancer Diagnosis
Zantac and its active ingredient were a popular way to control heartburn and acid reflux disease. Unfortunately, FDA issued an order in September of 2019 recommending an immediate halt to the use of Zantac and its generic equivalents. This is because the FDA has linked the taking of this drug to an increased chance of contracting cancer.
Many people wonder how they can know if their cancer was caused by Zantac. The truth is that only a qualified medical professional can make this determination and provide proper treatment. However, the discovery of this connection may allow you to pursue a lawsuit for compensation.
The makers of Zantac had a duty to produce a reasonably safe product. The link between Zantac and cancer indicates a failure to meet this requirement.
Count on Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers to Help You After a Zantac-Related Cancer Diagnosis
The legal professionals at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers may be able to help you. If you have received a cancer diagnosis after taking Zantac, give us a call today. We can provide a free case evaluation to determine if your case has merit and work to bring you the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today at (855) 529-0269 for your free consultation.